Every year, the NEET exam becomes a huge talking point—especially in certain states that just can’t get behind it. If you’re trying to figure out which states are still fighting NEET and what it means for you, you’re not alone. Parents, students, and even teachers often feel confused about whether NEET is friend or foe, especially if local news keeps highlighting protests or court cases.
Why are some places so against a single national test for medical college seats? It often comes down to language barriers, different school curriculums, and fears about fair access. Some states argue that their own board exams prepare students differently and a common national paper just doesn’t reflect local realities. Others point out the cost of coaching—saying that national-level competition puts rural and underprivileged kids at a serious disadvantage.
So, beyond all the noise, which actual states are pushing back against NEET as of June 2025? And as a student or parent in those states, what should you really focus on? Stick around for clear answers, relatable examples, and a few tips to help you stay on top—even if your state is resisting the NEET wave.
- Why Do Some States Oppose NEET?
- Which States Are Against NEET and Their Reasons
- Impact on Students and Local Coaching Trends
- Smart Tips for Students in Opposing States
Why Do Some States Oppose NEET?
It’s not just politics—there are real reasons some states push back against NEET. First, look at language. NEET questions are mostly in Hindi and English, but millions of students in places like Tamil Nadu or West Bengal have done all their schooling in regional languages. That alone makes things unfair right out of the gate.
The other big factor is the difference in school curriculums. States like Tamil Nadu use their own boards, and the syllabus often doesn’t line up with the central NCERT syllabus that NEET follows. So, students from these states show up for NEET less prepared, which stresses everyone out and leads to lower selection rates.
Cost is another deal-breaker. NEET heavily favors students who can afford expensive coaching, but coaching centers aren’t everywhere—and when they are, fees run sky-high. That puts rural and low-income families at a massive disadvantage. Example: a report from the Tamil Nadu government in 2023 showed that nearly 80% of admitted NEET candidates in the state took private coaching, while in rural belts, only 20% could afford that.
- Language barrier: Fewer regional language options means a harder time for local students.
- Different syllabus: State boards often don’t line up with the national NEET syllabus.
- Social equity: Students from remote, rural, or low-income backgrounds struggle more due to high coaching costs.
Many states also say that NEET makes it harder to include reservations for local students—in the past, several states set aside seats for home state kids, but with NEET, those quotas get weaker.
| Factor | How It Affects Students |
|---|---|
| Language limitation | Regional students find question paper harder |
| Syllabus mismatch | Extra study load to catch up with NCERT |
| High coaching cost | Low-income/rural students miss out |
| Loss of local quota | Fewer seats for state students |
This struggle isn’t about resisting change for the sake of it—it’s about protecting students who feel left behind when a single national test skips over their everyday realities.
Which States Are Against NEET and Their Reasons
If you check the headlines every NEET season, the same states keep coming up with protests or requests to scrap or modify the exam. Right at the front is Tamil Nadu. The state’s been fighting NEET from the start, arguing that the exam mainly helps students from CBSE backgrounds and students who can afford expensive coaching. Tamil Nadu’s school curriculum, taught in state board schools and regional languages, is different from the CBSE syllabus that NEET is based on. This makes local students feel the deck is stacked against them.
Next up, West Bengal. While not as loud as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal leaders have voiced concerns that NEET ignores differences in state syllabi and doesn’t support students from Bengali-medium schools. They worry many talented students are left behind just because of the switch to a national pattern and language issues.
Kerala, while seeing good NEET results, has still raised issues about language and affordability. Many education activists in Kerala argue that national-level prep pushes students toward private and online coaching, leaving government school students at a loss.
On and off, states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have also raised questions. The concern here is usually about losing local control over medical college admissions and the added stress for students who now need to prep for both state and central exams.
Here’s a quick list of top states still expressing opposition to *NEET* as of June 2025:
- Tamil Nadu: Feels state-board students are hit hardest, pushes for medical admissions based on Class 12 scores.
- West Bengal: Focuses on language barriers and syllabus mismatches.
- Kerala: Highlights the gap between private coaching access and government school students.
- Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh: Worry about centralization and fairness for local candidates.
For students in these states, the biggest thing to know is that the fight is about more than just one exam. It’s a battle over equal opportunity, language, and fair access for everyone—not just those who can pay for the best coaching or study in English-medium CBSE schools.
Impact on Students and Local Coaching Trends
If you live in a state that opposes NEET, you’ll probably notice the stress hits different. For starters, there’s a whole lot of confusion around what syllabus to follow—your state board or the NEET (which is mostly NCERT)? If you open local newspapers in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, or Kerala, every other week you’ll spot articles on students protesting or leaders demanding state medical entrance tests instead of NEET.
The biggest impact is on kids who study in state board schools. Most state textbooks aren’t fully in sync with the NEET syllabus, so students have to work overtime to catch up. In a 2024 survey by a Chennai-based education research group, 68% of Tamil Nadu state board students said they had to join private coaching just to tackle the NEET syllabus.
Coaching trends are shifting too. While traditional coaching giants are everywhere, cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram have seen smaller, local centers popping up that promise crash courses or rapid NCERT revision. These centers often teach in regional languages, and tailor their material for state board students. Here’s the thing: parents are spending more than ever on coaching, even when they wish NEET would just go away.
Take a look at this table that compares the average coaching fees and success rates from different states (2024-2025):
| State | Avg. Coaching Fee (INR) | Avg. Success Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 1,25,000 | 8.2 |
| West Bengal | 90,000 | 6.4 |
| Kerala | 1,18,000 | 11.6 |
| Maharashtra | 1,45,000 | 12.1 |
Notice how NEET coaching fees aren’t cheap—and yet, the success rates aren't sky-high. Many students, especially from rural backgrounds, can’t access top coaching or are forced to rely on free YouTube channels and state-run support programs. In 2024, Tamil Nadu reportedly increased funding for coaching centers in government schools, aiming to fill the gap, but parents still worry about the exam favoring CBSE kids.
- If you’re prepping for NEET in a dissenting state, focus extra hard on NCERT books—most toppers say that’s the game-changer.
- Keep an eye out for state-backed free coaching or scholarships. These programs can really lighten the financial load.
- Stick to reliable online sources for old papers in both English and your regional language if available.
The move toward more local coaching options is real, but access isn’t equal. Staying resourceful and informed can help bridge that gap, wherever you’re from.
Smart Tips for Students in Opposing States
Prepping for NEET when your state is caught up in controversies or protests can feel like walking through a maze. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and a few northeastern states have been vocal about their issues with NEET—especially Tamil Nadu, where the government keeps pushing to scrap the exam entirely. Amid all this, students still have to plan for their medical careers just like everyone else.
If you’re living in a state that’s fighting NEET, here’s what you need to do to stay ahead, no matter what the politics look like:
- Stay Updated on Policy Changes: Rules can change overnight. For example, in 2024, Tamil Nadu students got caught off-guard by last-minute decisions about local admissions. Always check official updates from your state board and the NTA website every week.
- Use Dual Preparation: Don’t rely just on state board exams or NEET—prepare for both. Many coaching centers in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal run hybrid courses to tackle both syllabi together. Ask around your area or online groups for the best local coaching options.
- Mind the Language Factor: A lot of NEET questions are in English and Hindi, but the NTA now lets you take the exam in regional languages like Tamil, Bengali, Assamese, and a few others. If you struggle in either English or Hindi, make sure to opt for your home language when filling out the form—and practice mock tests in that language well in advance.
- Tap into Free Resources: Both government and private groups in opposing states often offer free or low-cost online coaching. For instance, the Tamil Nadu government’s E-box portal and West Bengal’s Siksha Portal have free sample tests and video lectures.
- Watch Out for Misinformation: Rumors about NEET getting cancelled or postponed run wild every year, especially after court cases or protests. Only trust notifications from the NTA or your state’s official education department. Don’t waste time on viral WhatsApp forwards or random YouTube claims.
- Stay Connected with Peers: There are active Telegram and WhatsApp groups for NEET students from opposing states where you can get notes, video links, and last-minute tips. If you feel stuck or discouraged, these groups can be a lifesaver for motivation and new study hacks.
As Dr. Suresh, a senior faculty member at a leading coaching institute in Chennai, put it,
"Focus more on what you can control—like consistent practice, staying informed, and keeping your mindset positive—rather than state politics."
At the end of the day, the NEET journey looks tough, especially if you feel like your state is working against you. But thousands crack it each year from these states by staying practical, resourceful, and keeping their eyes on updates. You’ve got this if you keep your plan simple and stay alert.
