Tamil Nadu CM urges PM to scrap common entrance test for veterinary courses

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to advise the Veterinary Council of India to reconsider its decision to introduce a common entrance examination for undergraduate admissions in veterinary sciences and animal husbandry across all veterinary colleges.

In the letter, the Chief Minister also suggested that states which do not conduct such an examination could adopt the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) merit list for admissions starting from the 2026-27 academic year, as an alternative approach.

Mr. Vijay argued that veterinary sciences are deeply intertwined with the state's agriculture and rural economy. He said the field forms the foundation of Tamil Nadu's efforts to strengthen animal husbandry, improve livestock health, support dairy development, and secure the livelihoods of millions of rural households.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Tamil Nadu has, for decades, admitted students to professional colleges based on higher secondary marks. This practice, he said, ensures that deserving students from rural areas, government schools, economically weaker sections, and socially disadvantaged communities receive a fair opportunity to pursue higher education.

He reiterated the state's consistent position that centralised entrance exams, including NEET, create significant entry-level barriers for meritorious students, particularly those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Recalling the issues faced by the National Testing Agency in conducting NEET, including a recent paper leak, Mr. Vijay said it would not be appropriate to introduce NEET for veterinary course admissions. He noted that the experience of recent years has reinforced concerns that success in such examinations is often influenced by differential access to specialised coaching, financial resources, and opportunities for repeated attempts. He added that these factors do not necessarily reflect the merit demonstrated through school education alone.

The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to leave the determination of admission criteria for the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (B.VSc.) and Animal Husbandry (AH) courses to the respective state governments. Such an approach, he said, would respect the federal framework, enable states to evolve admission policies suited to their socioeconomic realities and educational systems, while continuing to uphold academic standards and ensuring the availability of qualified veterinary professionals.