1. What is the main issue regarding PG medical admissions in Telangana?
The issue revolves around implementation of govt orders (GOs) 148 and 149, which redefine the eligibility criteria for state quota seats in PG medical programmes. These orders mandate four years of continuous education in Telangana to qualify for local quota.
2. Why Telangana changed eligibility criteria for state quota seats
The change was made because the 10-year period mandated by Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, during which students from Andhra were eligible for Telangana’s local quota, ended in 2023. The Telangana govt now wants to give preference to local students for seats under the state quota.
3. What was the purpose of AP Reorganisation Act provisions in relation to medical admissions?
The Act allowed students from Andhra access 15% of Telangana’s local quota seats for 10 years (2014-2023). This was to give Andhra Pradesh time to build its own infrastructure and ensure students had access to top medical colleges, many of which are located in Hyderabad, and to ensure equitable access to quality higher education for students from both successor states after bifurcation.
4. How has GO 148 affected students?
Students who completed their MBBS in Telangana, but had earlier studied in Andhra Pradesh, were considered ineligible for PG medical seats under the state quota. This particularly affected students from Andhra Pradesh who studied in Telangana after its formation in 2014.
5. What legal action has been taken against GO 148?
A total of 86 petitions were filed in Telangana high court arguing that GO 148 was unfair. The petitioners claimed that it restricted the opportunities of students who legitimately pursued their MBBS in Telangana.
6. High court’s important ruling on the issue
Telangana HC struck down provisions in the admission rules that restricted eligibility for state quota seats. It struck down declaratory clause (b) in Rule VIII (ii) of the Telangana Medical Colleges (Admission into Postgraduate Medical Courses) Rules, 2021 and similar clauses in GO 149 for AYUSH courses.
7. What is the Telangana govt’s view on the court’s decision?
The state govt believes that continuing to admit students from AP under local quota deprives Telangana students of opportunities. It is currently exploring legal and policy measures to prioritise the interests of Telangana students.
8. What are the options available to Andhra students after the HC judgement?
With the HC ruling, students from Andhra Pradesh will continue to be eligible to compete for seats under the local quota on an equal footing with students from Telangana, in addition to the All India quota similar to students from other states.
