#CUET based on NCERT syllabus will i) sideline our diverse school education systems; ii) favour mushrooming of coaching centres; iii) place...

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed a formal communication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the immediate withdrawal of the Common University Entrance Test introduced for undergraduate admissions in central universities. Stalin cautioned that structuring a nationwide entrance examination solely on the National Council of Educational Research and Training syllabus severely sidelines diverse state school education boards. He stressed that state curricula cater to varied regional contexts and distinct student demographics across India.

The Chief Minister warned that centralized entrance tests inevitably foster the mushrooming of expensive private coaching centres, placing students from rural backgrounds and poor families at an immense disadvantage. He argued that evaluating students based on high-stakes single tests rather than cumulative higher secondary performance diminishes the autonomy of state educational boards. Stalin pointed out that such regressive policies threaten equitable access to premier higher educational institutions.

Stalin reiterated that education must remain inclusive, democratic, and responsive to regional realities under the federal framework. He called upon the Union government to roll back CUET, reaffirming Tamil Nadu staunch commitment to safeguarding student welfare, promoting accessible higher education, and defending state rights in shaping educational policy.