Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday felicitated 55 SC and ST students from Andhra Pradesh’s social welfare residential schools who secured admissions into prestigious national institutions such as IITs, NITs and medical colleges through NEET.

The students, who met the Chief Minister at the Secretariat, expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement provided by the state government. Sharing their joy with Naidu, they recalled the training and facilities extended to them at dedicated coaching centres.

Congratulating the achievers, the Chief Minister urged them to continue their hard work in higher studies and bring laurels to both the state and the nation. “Our students have immense talent. With proper encouragement and facilities, they can compete globally. This year’s 55 achievers are a shining example. Next year, the results should increase four-fold. Those who have secured seats must visit their former institutions and inspire younger students,” Naidu told the gathering.

As a token of encouragement, the Chief Minister presented each student with a cash award of Rs.1 lakh, amounting to a total of Rs.55 lakh, along with mementoes. He personally handed over the cheques, posed for photographs, and wished the students success in their future endeavors.

The successful candidates had undergone coaching at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar IIT-NEET Centres in Chinnatekur (Kurnool district), Kuntamukkala (NTR district), and Adavi Takkellapadu (Guntur district). Out of 356 students trained at these centres, 129 qualified in JEE Main and Advanced, and 143 cleared NEET.

Ultimately, 12 students secured seats in IITs, 30 in NITs, and 13 in MBBS courses through NEET. Notably, 20 of the 55 successful candidates are girls. Additionally, 14 students are expected to gain BDS seats, while 19 others are set to secure admissions in GFTIs and central universities.

Highlighting the need to expand opportunities, the CM directed officials to set up seven new IIT-NEET coaching centres this year, benefiting around 1,411 SC and ST students. Reiterating his commitment, Naidu said the government was prepared to spend whatever was necessary to uplift students from disadvantaged backgrounds.