Telangana tightens admissions: 85% of seats in higher education institutions reserved for local candidates

The Telangana Higher Education Department has announced new regulations reserving 85% of seats for local candidates in all higher education institutions, including both public and private colleges, as well as technical institutions.

According to Government Order 15 (GO 15), which was published on Feb 27 by Education Department Secretary Yogita Rana, local candidates in the Osmania University (OU) area will be given preference for 85% of the seats in all higher education institutions, with the remaining 15% being left open.

Since non-local students must compete with local candidates for the 15% of unreserved seats, the GO makes it harder for them to get admission.

"Region-wise reservation of seats" is changed by the GO to "admission to 85% of seats for local candidates of the OU area."

This suggests that Andhra Pradesh candidates will no longer qualify for local reservations in Telangana colleges.

In order to be eligible for seats in the 15% unreserved category, candidates must have lived in the state for a total of 10 years (excluding time spent studying outside the state) or have had either parent live in the state for a total of 10 years (excluding time spent working outside the state), according to the GO.

Furthermore, candidates whose parents are employed by the state or central government, public sector corporations, local bodies, universities, or other similar institutions within the state are eligible.

Additionally, candidates who are spouses of individuals employed by the state or central government, public sector corporations, local bodies, universities, government-recognized educational institutions, or other quasi-government entities within the state can also claim seats under the 15% unreserved quota.