Why are Six TN Students in NEET UG Top 100 Amid State's Opposition?
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Synopsis
Chennai sees six TN students excel in NEET-UG 2025, defying state resistance to the exam. As Tamil Nadu's protests against NEET continue, the debate over educational fairness intensifies. With rising student stress linked to the exam, the state government pushes for reform amidst tragic consequences.
Key Takeaways
- Six Tamil Nadu students ranked in the NEET-UG 2025 top 100.
- Soorya Narayanan achieved the highest rank from TN at AIR 27.
- NEET continues to be a source of significant stress among students.
- The Tamil Nadu government is seeking an exemption from NEET.
- Over 22.09 lakh candidates participated in this year’s exam.
Chennai, June 14 (NationPress) Despite ongoing resistance from Tamil Nadu against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), six students from the state have achieved remarkable success by securing spots in the top 100 of the NEET-UG 2025 results released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday.
Leading the way among Tamil Nadu's achievers is Soorya Narayanan, who claimed the highest rank with an All India Rank (AIR) of 27. He is followed closely by Abhineet Nagaraj (AIR 50), Pugazhendhi G.S. (AIR 61), Hruthik Vijaya Raja K.S. (AIR 63), Rakesh A.J. (AIR 78), and Prajan Srivari G. (AIR 88).
On a national scale, the exam was topped by Mahesh Kumar from Rajasthan, with Utkarsh Awadhiya from Madhya Pradesh (AIR 2), Krishang Joshi from Maharashtra (AIR 3), and Mrinal Kishore Jha from Delhi (AIR 4) following suit.
Among female candidates, Avika Aggarwal from Delhi distinguished herself as the top scorer with an AIR of 5.
A total of over 22.09 lakh candidates took part in NEET-UG 2025, with 12.36 lakh qualifying— a slight decline from last year’s 13.15 lakh who passed.
This year’s participation saw a small drop compared to 2024, when over 23.33 lakh students registered.
Uttar Pradesh led the way with the highest number of qualifying candidates (over 1.70 lakh), followed by Maharashtra (1.25 lakh+) and Rajasthan (1.19 lakh+). In contrast, Tamil Nadu, which has consistently protested NEET, has recently experienced at least two student suicides reportedly linked to the stress and anxiety surrounding this examination.
In the last few years, over 20 students in the state have allegedly taken their own lives due to the overwhelming pressure connected with NEET.
The ruling DMK government, under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has persistently called on the Union government to abolish NEET, claiming it disadvantages students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds who followed the state board curriculum.
The state assembly has even passed legislation seeking exemption from NEET for medical admissions, which is currently awaiting Presidential approval.
Despite the impressive rankings achieved by Tamil Nadu students, the state maintains that medical admissions should be determined based on Class 12 examination scores—a system in place prior to 2017.
Officials argue that while top achievers deserve accolades, the exam has fostered a parallel coaching industry and stifled the ambitions of countless others.
NEET-UG serves as the sole entrance examination for over 1.08 lakh MBBS seats nationwide, including around 56,000 in government colleges and 52,000 in private institutions.
It also governs admissions for courses such as BDS, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. With results now out, counseling sessions are set to commence soon. However, in Tamil Nadu, the discourse surrounding NEET's fairness—and its tragic consequences—remains unresolved.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the academic achievements of Tamil Nadu's students despite the state's opposition to NEET. While the government calls for reforms, the stark reality of student stress and tragic consequences cannot be overlooked. The future of medical admissions remains a contentious topic that demands attention and action.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NEET?
NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) is the sole entrance exam for medical college admissions in India, covering MBBS, BDS, and other health sciences.
Why is Tamil Nadu opposing NEET?
The Tamil Nadu government argues that NEET discriminates against students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds who follow state board syllabi.
How many students took NEET-UG 2025?
Over 22.09 lakh candidates appeared for NEET-UG 2025.
What are the consequences of NEET-related stress?
There have been tragic reports of student suicides linked to the high pressure and anxiety surrounding NEET preparation.
What changes is Tamil Nadu seeking regarding medical admissions?
The state has passed a Bill to exempt medical admissions from NEET, advocating for a return to Class 12 marks as the basis for admissions.
