NEET Aspirants Decry Budget Over GST, Applaud Loan Interest Cut

NEET aspirants express disappointment over the 18% GST on coaching fees, while appreciating reduced interest rates on education loans in the Union Budget 2024-25. Criticisms also targeted the budget's lack of funding for education and examination agencies. The Supreme Court dismissed pleas for a NEET-UG 2024 re-test.

NEET aspirants in the coaching hub have termed the budget a 'disappointment' due to no relief in the 18% GST on coaching fees, although they appreciated the reduction in interest rates on education loans.

Vaishnavi, a NEET aspirant from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, stated, 'Education is a right, there should be no tax on it.' She added, 'If the GST on coaching fees was reduced, it could have relieved financial pressure on our parents but it's a disappointment that no such announcement was made.' The Union Budget 2024-25 was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Vaishnavi appreciated the reduction in education loan interest rates, saying it helps students from poor financial backgrounds.

Mahendra Solanki from Rajasthan's Jodhpur echoed Vaishnavi's sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction over the budget's allocation for education and the continued GST on coaching fees. Solanki stated, 'Education is a right and education loans should be interest-free.'

(With inputs from agencies.)