Polity & Governance
Government offers to discuss NEET amid Congress boycott, says Kiren Rijiju
What happened
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Congress party of avoiding a debate on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) despite the government’s readiness to discuss concerns. The remarks come as opposition parties have boycotted parliamentary proceedings over **NEET-**related issues, including allegations of irregularities in the exam.
Key facts
Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, stated the government is open to discussions on NEET but accused the Congress party of boycotting the debate.
Opposition parties, led by Congress, have boycotted parliamentary sessions over **NEET-**related demands, including a JPC probe.
The NTA has conducted NEET annually, with the latest exam held in May 2026 amid ongoing controversies.
The government has previously stated that NEET reforms are under review, including potential changes to the exam’s scoring and evaluation process.
Context
- NEET is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions to undergraduate medical courses in India.
- The exam has faced scrutiny in recent years over alleged paper leaks, grace marks controversies, and perceived inconsistencies in scoring.
- Opposition parties, including Congress, have demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into alleged irregularities.
- The government has previously defended the NTA’s conduct and introduced reforms, such as setting up a high-level committee to review the exam process.
Why it matters
- NEET is a critical national exam for medical admissions, affecting thousands of students annually.
- Allegations of irregularities have sparked public concern and political debates.
- The government’s willingness to engage contrasts with opposition boycotts, highlighting policy disagreements.
- The outcome could influence future exam reforms and student confidence in the system.