Despite having suffered legal reverses twice, the Tamil Nadu government today decided to abolish Common Entrance Tests for admission to professional courses. Following the recommendations of the expert committee headed by Dr M Ananthakrishnan, former Vice Chancellor of Anna University, the government today decided to bring forward a legislation abolishing CETs in the state in the winter session of the state Assembly, begining on December 4, an official press release said.

The committee, after hearing the views of the students and parents for more than three months, today submitted its report to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. The report would be discussed by the state cabinet, the release added.

During the Governor's address, the government had promised to appoint a committee to examine abolition of CET, saying it caused mental stress to students, besides leading to considerable financial burden on their parents. The government said rural people and poor were deprived of equal opportunities during entrance examinations.

The AIADMK government had abolished CETs through a Government Order in 2004 and through a legislation in 2005. But the Madras High Court struck down both measures and the CET was conducted for the last three academic years. The Court also struck down a G.O. in 2004, providing 25 per cent reservation for rural students in professional courses.

In 2006,the AIADMK government brought a legislation exempting students of state boards from appearing for the CET. The CET was introduced in the state in 1978 by the AIADMK founder, late M G Ramachandran, to do away with malpractices during admissions.