As Maharashtra is reviewing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance for medical admissions, following Tamil Nadu passing a bill to exclude NEET in the state, parents of aspirants have voiced their opposition. NEET, which determines medical admissions across the country, began in 2016. However, TN passed a bill to do away with NEET in the state and mandated that medical admissions would take place based on Std 12 marks, triggering ripple effects in some states.

Soon after TN’s decision, Maharashtra medical education minister Amit Deshmukh announced the state’s plan to review the test. “We are currently in the process of taking a stock of the situation, starting from if a state can demand such an exemption to if it will be a comfortable option for students in Maharashtra. After discussions, state’s decision will be taken,” stated Deshmukh. Deshmukh’s statement, which came on the heels of state Congress chief Nana Patole’s letter to chief minister (CM) Uddhav Thackeray seeking scrapping of NEET, has led to major discussions in Maharashtra.