55 students from Andhra’s SC, ST hostels secure spots at IITS, NITs, medical colleges

Of the 176 students who received coaching for JEE Mains and advanced examinations, 129 qualified. Likewise, 143 of the 180 students coached for the NEET examination qualified.

Twelve students were selected for admission to IITs, 30 for NIITs, and 13 secured MBBS admissions, officials said.

Among the 55 top rankers, 20 were girls. Additionally, 14 students gained admission to BDS programmes, and 19 are set to join other government-funded technical institutes and central universities.

“All 55 students received a surprise gift of Rs 1 lakh cheque each and mementos from the state government Tuesday,” Minister for Social Welfare Dola Balaveeranjaneya Swamy said.

The Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (APSWREIS) runs 191 coaching centres in 25 of the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh.  Over 1.02 lakh students were enrolled in 2024-25.

The institutions provide education in English medium from Classes 5 to 12. The best-performing students are given coaching for JEE Mains and Advanced examinations at the three specialised coaching centres.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that the cash reward of Rs 1 lakh will continue each year.

“The improved facilities in the social welfare hostels are really helping the students perform well academically. There is no dearth of talent among students, and the 55 students who secured ranks itself is an example for this. My government will spend whatever is necessary for the welfare of students from the underprivileged and weaker sections,” Naidu said.

Meanwhile, officials said that seven more IIT-NEET coaching centres will be set up across the state this year, and are expected to benefit 1,411 students.