PDSO seeks scrapping of NEET, other entrance exams; holds protest in Visakhapatnam

The Progressive Democratic Students Organisation (PDSO) on Thursday staged a protest near the Gandhi statue at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), demanding the abolition of NEET and other national-level common entrance examinations, alleging that the system is causing severe stress and repeated irregularities affecting students nationwide.

Addressing the protest, PDSO district secretary V. Lakshmi said nearly 23.33 lakh candidates competed for 1.09 lakh medical seats in NEET this year, leaving intense competition for aspirants. She alleged that a paper leak before the examination created confusion and led the National Testing Agency (NTA) to order a re-examination.

Lakshmi further claimed that exam-related stress has had serious consequences, alleging multiple student suicides linked to the controversy this year and in previous years. She also pointed to alleged irregularities and repeated paper leak incidents in examinations conducted by the NTA.

The organisation said centralised entrance tests such as NEET, JEE, and CUET are placing undue psychological pressure on students and demanded their abolition. It urged the Centre to restore the States’ authority in conducting medical college admissions.

PDSO also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, expansion of medical colleges and hospitals, and increased focus on courses in agriculture, pharmacy, and veterinary sciences to broaden career options.

Students from several colleges, along with PDSO district president P. Viswanadh, vice-president Satish, and assistant secretary Janaki, participated in the protest.