AP Higher Education is set for a major transformation as the Andhra Pradesh government has announced the complete elimination of the 15% non-local quota in college admissions. Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, all seats in undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in the state will be reserved exclusively for students from Andhra Pradesh. This marks a significant shift in admission policy, aimed at prioritising local students and addressing long-standing demands from parents and stakeholders.
End of the Transitional Phase Post-Bifurcation
This policy change comes at the conclusion of the 10-year transitional arrangement that followed the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh in 2014. During this period, a shared admission framework was in place to allow students from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to access educational opportunities across both states. With this window closing, the state has opted to move towards a more locally focused admission model.
According to the recent government order, the decision is meant “to protect the interests of the students hailing from the state of Andhra Pradesh” and ensure greater access to higher education within state borders.
Courses Covered Under the New Policy
The new admission rule applies to a wide range of disciplines across professional and general education. These include:
- Engineering
- Technology
- Pharmacy and Pharma D
- Architecture
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Computer Applications (MCA)
- Law
- Education
- Physical Education
Until now, 85% of seats were reserved for local students, while 15% were available for non-local candidates. From 2025, this non-local quota will be scrapped, and institutions will admit only students who qualify as locals under the revised definitions.
How ‘Local Candidates’ Are Defined
The classification of ‘local candidates’ is based on the jurisdictions of two major state universities:
- Andhra University (AU) jurisdiction includes the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam.
- Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) covers the districts of Anantapur, Kurnool, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Nellore.
For universities and colleges that operate under statewide jurisdiction, 85% of seats will still be split between AU and SVU regions, in a 65.6% and 34.3% ratio, respectively. The previous 15% non-local quota within these institutions will now also be divided using this same proportional formula among local students.
Why This Move Matters
The state government said it received numerous representations from students and parents calling for a more equitable and locally focused system. Officials also cited legal concerns related to the earlier admission policy, which might have faced constitutional challenges over time.
The new framework is designed to prioritise students from Andhra Pradesh by giving them full access to state-run and state-affiliated institutions. The policy is expected to reduce competition from outside the state, thereby increasing the chances for local students in high-demand courses.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
While this decision boosts access for Andhra Pradesh residents, it may limit opportunities for students from neighbouring states, especially Telangana. Educational institutions may also need to adjust outreach and admission processes to align with the new regulations.
As the 2025–26 academic year approaches, awareness campaigns and clear communication will be crucial to ensure a smooth transition. For now, AP higher education is heading into a new era—one that places local students firmly at the centre of its future.
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