NEET to be the only basis of admissions: Supreme Court to Tamil Nadu govt

In a setback for the Tamil Nadu government, the Supreme Court of India today (August 22) observed that the National Eligibility Cum Admissions Test (NEET) would be the only basis for admissions to the state's medical colleges. 

A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra directed the Tamil Nadu government to start counselling for admissions to the MBBS and BDS seats in the state based on the NEET and complete the process by September 4.

The ruling came after the central government told the court that it was not in favour of the recent ordinance passed by Tamil Nadu government to exempt it from the NEET. 

The top court was hearing a plea filed by six students from Tamil Nadu that the state government conduct counselling for the medical seats solely on the basis of the merit list prepared on the basis of NEET marks.

On August 17, it had put on hold till August 22 the counselling for medical seats in the state and asked the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the state government to find a balanced solution to deal with the interests of state board students and those who cleared NEET.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducted the NEET examination on May 7.

The National Eligibility and Entrance Test was made mandatory for admission in the MBBS and the BDS courses across India last year. The exam replaced the All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT) and all individual MBBS exams conducted by states or colleges. 

Tamil Nadu became the first state to introduce Bills to exempt students from appearing for the NEET. Many medical colleges.