In a significant relief to paramedical students, the Andhra Pradesh government has, for the first time, introduced supplementary examinations for students enrolled in paramedical courses. The decision is aimed at preventing academic delays and loss of employment opportunities faced by students who fail in regular examinations.

As per the new policy, supplementary exams will be conducted for students pursuing two-year paramedical diploma courses, including Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), ECG Technician, Cardiology and other allied health programmes. Until now, students who failed were required to wait until the next annual examinations to appear for supplementary papers, often resulting in a delay of up to one year in completing their courses.

Following the directions of State Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, officials of the Medical and Health Department decided to implement the supplementary examination system from the 2025-26 academic year to safeguard students’ academic and career prospects.

According to the supplementary examination notification issued recently, applications are being accepted from failed students until the 5th of this month. Around 5,000 students are expected to benefit from the initiative. The supplementary examinations will be conducted on February 2, 3, and 4, the Secretary of the Allied and Health Care Professions Council said in an official statement.

The move also coincides with broader examination reforms in the paramedical education system. Andhra Pradesh currently offers 16 paramedical courses, with nearly 20,000 students enrolling every year based on Intermediate BiPC or MPC qualifications. Until 2024, annual examinations scheduled for July were frequently delayed and conducted between October and January, causing uncertainty among students.

The Health Department has now streamlined the process by conducting regular annual examinations on schedule. Last year’s exams were held in July, with results declared in October, paving the way for timely supplementary examinations.

Officials said the new system would significantly reduce academic stress and ensure that students can complete their courses and access employment opportunities without unnecessary delays.