Free NEET coaching to continue for TN govt schools

CHENNAI: With the DMK government still undecided over scrapping the medical entrance exams, students in State-run schools will continue to have free National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) coaching this year too.

All these years, free coaching helped students from government schools get good marks in medical entrance exams. Even last year, aspirants in State-run schools received free NEET training.

A senior official from the School Education Department, seeking anonymity, said that though the State government is trying its best to scrap NEET, there’s no indication that the Centre would acquiesce its demand.

“So, authorities in the department have advised the State to continue free NEET coaching for government and government-aided school students, who will be appearing for the medical entrance exam in 2023,” he added.

Stating that last year students received NEET training in an online e-box platform without physical classes, the official said: “The government is also thinking about conducting physical classes across the State. Authorities are expected to conduct a review meeting about it with the help of experts. The government might also tie up with NEET training institutions, which follow a comprehensive syllabus.”

The official added that students who have already cracked NEET exams, will also be consulted for their expertise so that there’d be enough trainers for aspirants. “NEET online training is also expected to be given to students in the high-tech computer labs that were established in all government high and higher secondary schools across the State,” he stated.

Pointing out that once everything was finalised to start free NEET coaching, students will be asked to enrol online, the official said that, “The authorities also might plan to set up residence NEET training centres as it was done before the pandemic-induced lockdown.”

However, the official asserted though there might be a plan to start free NEET training for the students, the government is committed to continuing its measures to scrap NEET for the State in the future.