Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Opposes NEET; Defends Two-Language Formula in First Assembly Speech

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay strongly reiterated the state's opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and reaffirmed support for the long-standing two-language policy during his first detailed speech in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on June 23, 2026.
Addressing the Assembly for nearly an hour, Vijay defended his government's policies, highlighted issues related to social justice and education, and emphasized the importance of preserving Tamil Nadu's linguistic identity. He described NEET as a system that creates educational inequality and argued that it disadvantages students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds

Vijay Calls NEET a Source of Inequality

During the speech, the Chief Minister maintained that NEET has adversely affected students from marginalized and rural communities by creating barriers to medical education. He reiterated his government's commitment to seeking relief from the centralized medical entrance examination system and advocated for a more inclusive admission process.
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed NEET, arguing that school education performance should play a greater role in admissions to medical courses. Vijay had earlier proposed a Class 12 marks-based admission system for MBBS programmes while addressing the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting.

Reaffirms Support for Two-Language Policy

The Chief Minister also reaffirmed Tamil Nadu's commitment to the two-language policy, which focuses on the teaching of Tamil and English. He reiterated the state's opposition to the three-language formula proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP), stressing that Tamil Nadu would continue to follow its established linguistic framework. The two-language policy has been a key aspect of Tamil Nadu's education model for decades and remains closely tied to the state's cultural and linguistic identity.

First Major Assembly Speech as Chief Minister

Vijay's address marked his first comprehensive speech in the Assembly since assuming office as Chief Minister following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. During the speech, he also responded to criticism of his party and highlighted the government's commitment to governance, transparency, and state rights. The speech is being viewed as a significant statement of the new government's policy direction, particularly on education and language issues that have long remained central to Tamil Nadu's political discourse.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay used his first major Assembly address to firmly reiterate the state's opposition to NEET and its support for the two-language policy. The remarks signal that education reform, social justice, and linguistic identity will remain key priorities of the Tamil Nadu government in the coming years.