Parents protest over GO 33, demand justice for Telangana medical aspirants

Not such a ‘NEET’ case

1. This rule could make students from Telangana, who studied in other states, non-local for admissions. 
2. Telangana students argue that this could make those who studied Intermediate outside the state ineligible for admissions, while students from other states who studied in Telangana from Class 9 to Intermediate would be eligible.

What GO 33 says?

1. GO 33 mandates four-year local study requirement before NEET
2. 132 seats went to non-local candidates in 2024–25 without GO 33 enforcement
3. Counseling for 2025–26 admissions is scheduled to begin in August 2025
4. Parents seek urgent action to safeguard Telangana students’ medical seats

Concerned and distressed over what they describe as a growing injustice to their children, parents of aspiring MBBS and BDS students across Telangana have intensified their demand for strict enforcement of GO MS No. 33. They are urging the state government to act swiftly and ensure that the rule is implemented before the upcoming NEET UG counseling begins in August 2025. Protests and petitions have been filed in districts such as Warangal and Mahabubnagar, where groups of parents have come together to express outrage at what they see as systemic failure in protecting the future of local aspirants.

GO 33 limits local eligibility to students who have studied in Telangana for four consecutive years prior to appearing for NEET, replacing the previous seven-year rule. Parents argue that this new rule is essential for curbing the misuse of fake nativity certificates and to ensure fair opportunities for local students who have grown up and studied in the state.

Speaking to Metro India, Dr. Ramakrishna, a radiologist, said, “This issue directly affects our children who aspire to study in medical colleges, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds. For instance, the daughter of an auto driver scored high marks in NEET but was denied a seat because non-local candidates are occupying most of them. There are many such bright students from poor families who dream of becoming doctors. Their futures are being jeopardized simply because they are being unfairly pushed aside in their own state. This is deeply unjust.”

Chari, a parent and activist from Warangal, added, “In the 2024–25 admissions, around 132 MBBS and BDS seats went to non-local candidates due to non-enforcement of GO 33. If the same happens this year, many Telangana students will lose their chance again. GO 33 is not just a technical rule; it is a protective shield for local talent.”

On Tuesday, a group of concerned parents met with Minister for Health T. Damodar Raja Narasimha, Minister D. Sridhar Babu, and other senior leaders in Hyderabad, appealing to them to ensure that GO 33 is implemented in the 2025–26 admission cycle. They urged the state government to direct the Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) to incorporate GO 33 provisions clearly in the upcoming admission notification. The NEET UG counseling in Telangana is expected to begin in August 2025.

A formal letter submitted by K. Narahari Mudiraj to the Mahabubnagar District Collector on July 28, 2025, highlighted the looming risk: “The influx of non-local applicants creates unfair competition. Our meritorious students could face severe rank slippage or lose admission altogether. That would crush the dreams of hundreds of bright, deserving youth.” With 120–135 seats affected every year, parents say they will not back down until justice is ensured for Telangana’s medical aspirants.