Telangana weighs entrance test for degree admissions
HYDERABAD: The Telangana State Council of Higher Education is considering introducing an entrance test for undergraduate degree admissions to streamline the process and bring uniformity across colleges.
State reviews unified system to regulate private colleges
Officials said the proposal is aimed at regulating private “non-DOST” colleges that conduct independent admissions. At present, degree admissions are conducted through the Degree Online Services Telangana (DOST) after Intermediate results are announced.
The issue was discussed in a recent meeting attended by Council chairman Acharya Balakista Reddy and Commissioner of Collegiate Education Sridevasena, among others.
Non-DOST institutions under scrutiny for fee practices
Across the state, 826 government and private colleges fill seats through DOST. However, around 70 private colleges conduct admissions independently, with some reportedly charging high fees.
Despite the issue persisting for eight years, the education department has not filed a counter in the High Court or taken corrective steps. Officials have now turned their focus to the matter and are exploring an entrance-based system to bring all colleges under a common framework.
They said the problem of non-DOST colleges is likely to be resolved by the 2027–28 academic year. The National Education Policy also recommends admissions through entrance tests.
Given the time required to finalise modalities, admissions for the current academic year will continue through DOST.
Decision on zero-admission colleges likely this year
Of the 3.77 lakh seats available in DOST colleges, only about 1.75 lakh are filled. Around 70 colleges report zero admissions, while several hundred courses fail to fill even a single seat. Nearly 60% of seats remain vacant.
Though there have been long-standing proposals to cancel colleges and courses with zero admissions, no decision has been taken so far. Officials said a decision may be taken this year.
