Karnataka Seeks End to National Medical Entrance Exam

Why this is here: Karnataka’s CET system has for decades enabled “lakhs” — hundreds of thousands — of deserving students from rural, middle-class, and economically weaker sections to pursue professional education.

Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka’s Minister of Medical Education, urged the central government to abolish the NEET-UG exam starting in 2026. He addressed reporters in Bengaluru, citing recent question paper leaks as damaging to students seeking medical degrees. Patil accused the central government of jeopardizing the futures of aspiring doctors and called for the resignation of the relevant Union Minister.

Karnataka’s government believes its own Common Entrance Test provides a better model for fair admissions. The state has repeatedly asked the central government to adopt the CET nationally, but these requests have been ignored. Patil expressed skepticism about a transparent investigation by the CBI, suggesting possible involvement of powerful individuals in irregularities.

The minister emphasized that Karnataka’s CET system has long supported students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While the state seeks to restore its control over admissions, questions remain about whether the central government will concede to these demands and alter the national examination structure. The government plans to continue advocating for change to benefit students and medical education within Karnataka.