The Union Government acting through the President’s rejection of Tamil Nadu’s bill seeking exemption from NEET marks a defining moment—not just in federal politics, but in the battle for educational equity. Passed unanimously by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 2021 and 2022, the bill reflected the State’s collective political and social consensus: that NEET, in its current form, has deepened structural inequalities in medical education. The President’s refusal to assent to the bill, acting on central advice, raises serious questions about the balance of power in our federal structure. But more urgently, it compels us to ask: is NEET serving its purpose—or is it perpetuating privilege under the guise of merit? Curriculum Mismatch and State Board Disadvantage NEET’s alignment with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus has systematically disadvantaged students from the Tamil Nadu State Board (TNSBSE). Before NEET was imposed, TNSBSE students a...