Amaravati: AP Reclaims 36% Medical Seats from Telangana for 2025-26
Landmark Policy Shift
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced that, starting the 2025-26 academic year, the 36% of medical seats previously allocated to Telangana students under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act will now be reserved exclusively for AP students. This decision follows the expiration of the Act’s 10-year provision on June 2, 2024, ending reciprocal seat-sharing arrangements.
Impact on Seat Allocation
The reallocation affects 85% of state quota seats in government medical colleges, such as Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, prioritizing students from Andhra University (AU) and Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) regions. The remaining 15% unreserved seats may still be accessible to neighboring states, subject to specific conditions.
New Medical Colleges Approved
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has sanctioned 150 MBBS seats each for five new government medical colleges in Vizianagaram, Rajamahendravaram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, and Nandyal for 2025-26. Initial concerns over faculty shortages and infrastructure were addressed through written assurances from AP authorities, securing NMC approval.
Private Colleges Face Penalties
The NMC identified deficiencies in three private medical colleges, imposing fines for inadequate faculty and facilities:
- Sri Balaji Medical College, Tirupati: Rs 20 lakh
- Nimra Institute, Vijayawada: Rs 15 lakh
- Fatima Institute, Kadapa: Rs 10 lakh
These institutions have two months to rectify issues, though admissions for 2025-26 have been permitted.
Telangana Students Excluded
Telangana students, who previously accessed seats in colleges like Osmania and Kakatiya Medical Colleges under the 2014 Act, will no longer be eligible for AP’s state quota seats starting 2025-26. This mirrors Telangana’s 2023 decision to reserve all seats in post-2014 medical colleges for local students.
Boost for AP Students
The reallocation of 36% of seats, previously shared with Telangana, significantly enhances opportunities for AP students, particularly in the AU and SVU regions. Combined with the addition of 750 seats across new colleges, AP’s total MBBS seats will rise to 6,366 for 2025-26.
Regulatory Oversight Strengthened
The NMC’s scrutiny of private colleges underscores efforts to enforce quality standards in medical education. The fines serve as a warning to ensure compliance, safeguarding the integrity of medical training in AP.
Broader Implications
This decision reflects AP’s strategic move to prioritize local students post-bifurcation, potentially straining educational ties with Telangana. It also highlights the need for robust infrastructure to support expanding medical education capacity.