Tamil Nadu: A 19-year-old NEET aspirant allegedly died by suicide in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore, sparking fresh protests against the medical entrance exam and renewing the state’s ongoing demand for an exemption from the test.
NEET Aspirant Dies By Suicide In Coimbatore
The deceased has been identified as Anunkeerthana, who had already attempted NEET twice and was preparing for another attempt. Investigators told NDTV that she was highly distressed over having to reappear for the exam following the recent paper leak, which had led to mandatory re-tests for affected candidates.
A senior police officer stated that the frustration of yet another test appeared to have driven her to the extreme step.
While no suicide note has been recovered from the scene, an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death.
The incident has sparked fresh protests in Coimbatore with demonstrators demanding that NEET be scrapped. In response, the DMK has announced a state protest, reiterating its demand for exemption from the medical entrance exam for Tamil Nadu.
Debate Over NEET Exemption In Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) since its introduction, arguing that it favours wealthy students who can afford private coaching. The state government has maintained that the test disadvantages poor and rural candidates, even those with strong performance in Class XII board examinations.
Before the introduction of NEET, the state admitted medical students based solely on their Class XII marks for nearly a decade. Supporters say this older system provided better access for government schools and rural students.
While the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a bill seeking an exemption from the exam, it did not receive presidential assent.
More Than 20 Aspirants Died By Suicide
This incident highlights the severe emotional toll of the highly competitive examination. According to NDTV, citing activists and political parties, more than 20 aspirants in the state have died by suicide since NEET was introduced.
Rise In NEET Aspirants’ Suicide
A number of suicide cases involving students have come to light after the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination. In a similar incident, a 24-year-old woman, the class 12 topper, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her residence in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun. She was preparing for the NEET re-exam to be held on June 21.