20,000 join TN govt’s 2,000 NEET coaching centres

This year, the School Education Department has set up more than 2,000 NEET coaching centres in the State. In addition, students can also avail of hostel facilities there.

Last year, only a handful of government school students, who received free NEET coaching, got into medical colleges. This year, the government expects at least 500 students to get admitted to various medical colleges.

All the expenses for the students was paid for by private institutions last year. Due to lack of time, many students could not get complete training despite Rs 3.5 crore being spent for the purpose.

A senior official from the Education Department told DTNext that the State has earmarked Rs 20 crore to offer free NEET coaching. “So far about 20,000 students have joined the centres, which at present, functions on weekends,” he added.

According to the official, this year, the government is trying to handpick top students from government schools to provide them proper training. He added that from the first week of March, classes would be held even on weekdays, with more experts coming in. “Experienced professors have been appointed,” he said.

K Natarajan, a tutor of a coaching centre in the city, said Biology classes are being held using audio visual sessions and 3D models. “Motivational sessions and inspirational lectures have been organised through doctors and former NEET rank holders,” he added. Stating that coaching will be completed before board exams, he said, “Since NEET exams are in May, students will be asked to continue with their coaching post their annual exams.”

M Suresh Kumar, who joined a coaching centre, said the study material provided was very useful. “In addition, audio visual sessions are very comprehensive,” he added.