Karnataka urges Centre to scrap NEET-UG from 2026, restore state powers to conduct CET

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 16, 2026: The Karnataka government on Saturday reiterated its demand to the Centre to abolish the NEET-UG examination from the 2026 academic year and restore the powers of states to conduct their own transparent and merit-based Common Entrance Tests (CETs).

State Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said Karnataka has a long-standing legacy of conducting fair, transparent and student-friendly entrance examinations through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).

In a statement, the minister said Karnataka’s CET system has for decades enabled lakhs of deserving students, particularly those from rural, middle-class and economically weaker backgrounds, to secure professional education opportunities based on merit, hard work and academic performance.

He stated that the CET model in Karnataka has been widely appreciated for its transparency, accountability and efficient conduct, helping meritorious students pursue higher education with confidence while strengthening public trust in the education system.

Patil said the experience with NEET over the past several years has raised serious concerns across the country. He pointed to repeated allegations of question paper leaks, impersonation, organised cheating rackets, manipulation, technical irregularities and lack of accountability in examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Referring to recent controversies surrounding NEET examinations, the minister said such incidents have caused stress, uncertainty and mental trauma among students and parents. He added that repeated reports of malpractice expose the inability of central agencies to ensure a completely fair and foolproof national-level examination system.

The minister said confidence among students in the integrity of the examination process has been severely affected.

Stressing that medical education plays a crucial role in determining the country’s future healthcare strength, Patil said admissions must be based on a system that is transparent, corruption-free and sensitive to regional and educational diversity.

He argued that a centralised examination system facing repeated allegations of irregularities should not be imposed on states like Karnataka that have demonstrated efficient and credible examination mechanisms.

Patil also highlighted that Karnataka’s CET system has successfully balanced merit with accessibility and ensured equal opportunities for students from all sections of society.

The minister said the state government has already written to the Union government seeking the abolition of NEET and permission to conduct admissions through the Karnataka CET system.

Urging the Centre to respect the federal structure of the Constitution, he said states should be allowed to conduct entrance examinations through credible agencies such as KEA.

Restoring the CET system would safeguard students’ interests and help rebuild public confidence in the admission process, he added.

Patil reiterated that the Karnataka government would continue to pursue the matter in the interest of students, parents and the future of medical education in the state.