The success of Arun and Tharan comes at a time when NEET faces criticism over allegations that it favours economically privileged students
In this small TN town, twins weave a NEET success story
As protests against NEET intensify, twin brothers from a weaver’s family in Tirunelveli crack the exam on their first attempt and enter medical college
Tamil Nadu continues to witness intense debates over NEET, with protests, hunger strikes and renewed demands to scrap the medical entrance examination. Yet, in a small village in Tirunelveli district, one family is celebrating the very exam that remains at the centre of a national controversy.
Ramkumar and Mangaiyar, a weaver couple from Velangudi, have watched their twin sons achieve what once seemed like a distant dream. Arun and Tharan, both educated in a government school, cleared NEET 2026 on their first attempt and secured medical seats.
For the family, the achievement represents years of perseverance, sacrifice and determination.
A shared dream
The brothers studied at Velangudi Government Higher Secondary School in Tirunelveli district. Despite the family's modest income, their parents encouraged them to pursue a single goal — earning admission to a medical college.
Also read: Why Karnataka is pushing to replace NEET with its own CET
The twins prepared for NEET while studying in a government school and appeared for the examination this year.
Their efforts paid off when both cleared the exam in their very first attempt.
Strong scores
Arun secured 511 marks in NEET 2026, while Tharan scored 494.
Based on their scores, Arun obtained admission to Tirunelveli Government Medical College, while Tharan secured a seat at PSG Medical College in Coimbatore.
Both admissions were secured under Tamil Nadu's 7.5 per cent reservation quota for government school students.
Also read: NEET solution: Online, offline, or scrapped? Experts split on exam future
The quota was introduced to improve access to medical education for students from government schools and remains a significant part of the state's education policy.
Community recognition
The brothers' achievement has drawn attention beyond their village.
Members of the Saurashtra community in Palayamkottai recently honoured the twins with shawls and mementos in recognition of their success.
The felicitation reflected the pride felt by the local community, which viewed the achievement as an inspiration for other students from similar backgrounds.
Beyond the debate
The success of Arun and Tharan comes at a time when NEET faces criticism over allegations that it favours economically privileged students and disadvantages those from rural and less affluent backgrounds.
Also read: NEET re-exam 2026: Leak crisis exposes deeper flaws in India’s exam system
Their story does not seek to answer the larger political debate surrounding the examination.
Instead, it highlights the determination of a family that pursued a difficult goal despite financial constraints and achieved it together.
A government school education, a weaver's income and two brothers with a shared ambition have resulted in a rare success story.
As the debate over NEET continues, the journey of Arun and Tharan stands out as an example of how persistence and opportunity can sometimes meet at the right moment.
