NTRUHS MBBS Seat Allotment: Reserved Category Upgradation Explained

Dr NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), which conducts MBBS admissions for Andhra Pradesh, has responded to allegations that its seat allotment software was unfairly restricting reserved category candidates from moving to open competition seats during counselling rounds. The university released official data on seat distribution to clarify how the 2026-27 MBBS admission process worked. For NEET aspirants from SC, ST, and BC backgrounds, understanding these rules is crucial to knowing your actual eligibility for seat upgradation during counselling.

What allegations were made against NTRUHS?

A political leader alleged that NTRUHS was using specially designed software to prevent Backward Class (BC), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates from upgrading to the open competition category during the second and later rounds of counselling, even when their ranks qualified them to do so. The allegation suggested that while these candidates could upgrade to better colleges within their reserved category, the system blocked them from competing in the open category pool.

The leader further claimed that although reserved category candidates made up more than 50% of the overall merit list, nearly 90% of those who entered the open competition category from round two onwards belonged to upper castes. He cited a specific example of a BC candidate who secured an MBBS seat at Guntur Medical College under the reserved category in round one but was allegedly prevented from seeking admission to other colleges based on their rank in subsequent rounds. The allegation suggested that approximately 60 to 70 reserved category candidates lost opportunities due to this restriction.

How does category upgradation work in MBBS counselling?

In NEET-UG MBBS admissions, reserved category candidates have two pathways to secure a seat: they can compete within their reserved category quota, or if their rank is strong enough, they can compete for open category seats on merit. Category upgradation refers to a candidate moving from their reserved category pool to the open category pool during counselling rounds, provided their rank qualifies them and seats remain available.

The process works as follows: in round one, seats are allotted based on candidate preferences and rank. If a reserved category candidate secures an open category seat in round one and then relinquishes it (by not accepting or by choosing a different option in a later round), that seat becomes vacant. According to NTRUHS, when such vacancies occur, they must be filled by candidates from the respective reserved categories in accordance with prescribed rules—not left open for other candidates to claim. This is a key procedural point that addresses the core of the allegation.

What data did NTRUHS provide to refute the allegations?

NTRUHS registrar Dr T Sai Sudheer released official figures for the 2026-27 MBBS admission cycle. Out of 4,581 convenor quota seats (the main pool of MBBS seats in Andhra Pradesh), 3,543 seats—accounting for 77.34%—were allotted to SC, ST, and BC candidates after three rounds of counselling. This demonstrates substantial representation of reserved category candidates in the overall seat distribution.

More significantly, the university reported that meritorious candidates from reserved categories secured 1,213 out of 2,026 open category seats, representing 59.87% of all open category seats. This figure increased from 981 seats (51.57%) in the previous year (2025-26), showing a year-on-year improvement in open category access for reserved category candidates. The registrar stated that the seat allotment process followed all prescribed rules and regulations.

• 3,543 of 4,581 convenor quota seats (77.34%) allotted to SC/ST/BC candidates
• 1,213 of 2,026 open category seats (59.87%) secured by meritorious reserved category candidates
• Increase from 51.57% (2025-26) to 59.87% (2026-27) in open category representation

What is Government Order 102 and how does it affect MBBS admissions?

Government Order (GO) 102 is an Andhra Pradesh government directive that governs aspects of MBBS seat allotment and category management. The allegations suggested that implementation of this order had resulted in unfair treatment of reserved category candidates. NTRUHS registrar refuted this claim, stating that GO 102 had been implemented correctly and in accordance with constitutional reservation provisions.

The registrar clarified that the order does not prevent reserved category candidates from accessing open category seats on merit. Rather, it ensures that when vacancies arise in open category seats (due to candidates relinquishing them), those vacancies are filled by candidates from the respective reserved categories according to prescribed procedures. This is a procedural safeguard, not a restriction on merit-based upgradation.

What is the Meritorious Reserved Category (MRC) mechanism?

The Meritorious Reserved Category (MRC) is a formal pathway that allows candidates from SC, ST, and BC backgrounds to compete for open category seats based purely on their NEET rank, without the reserved category quota restriction. When a reserved category candidate's rank is strong enough to qualify for an open category seat, they are eligible to be allotted under MRC.

According to NTRUHS, MRC seats are allotted strictly in accordance with the rules and the web options (preferences) submitted by students during counselling. The university has informed the Andhra Pradesh High Court of this procedure, indicating that the mechanism has been reviewed by the judiciary. For NEET aspirants from reserved categories, this means that if your rank qualifies you for an open seat and you have listed such colleges in your preferences, you are eligible to receive an MRC allotment.

What happens when a reserved category candidate relinquishes an open category seat?

This is a critical procedural point that directly addresses the allegation. When a meritorious reserved category candidate secures an open category seat in an earlier round and then relinquishes it (by not accepting it or by choosing a different option in a later round), the seat does not remain open for any other candidate to claim. Instead, it must be filled by a candidate from the respective reserved category (SC, ST, or BC) in accordance with prescribed rules.

The registrar explained that this procedure is mandated by the rules governing MBBS admissions and is not a restriction imposed by software or policy. It ensures that reserved category quotas are protected and that vacancies do not inadvertently reduce the number of seats available to reserved category candidates. For aspirants, this means that if you secure an open category seat and later decide to relinquish it, that seat will be reallocated within the reserved category system, not made available to other open category candidates.

How does this affect NEET aspirants from reserved categories?

For SC, ST, and BC candidates preparing for NEET-UG, the key takeaway is that you have genuine access to open category seats if your rank qualifies you. The data released by NTRUHS shows that nearly 60% of open category seats in 2026-27 went to meritorious reserved category candidates, demonstrating that the system is functioning to allow such upgradation. However, you must understand the procedural rules: once you accept an open category seat, relinquishing it will result in that seat being reallocated within the reserved category system, not returned to the open pool.

During counselling, it is important to carefully consider your preferences and rank. If you are eligible for an open category seat based on your NEET rank, you should list colleges offering open category seats in your preferences. The allotment algorithm will then consider you for both reserved and open category seats based on your rank and preferences. The increase in open category representation from 51.57% to 59.87% year-on-year suggests that the system is progressively allowing more reserved category candidates to access open seats on merit.

What does the data tell us about fairness in the admission process?

The statistics provided by NTRUHS offer a mixed picture. On one hand, the fact that 77.34% of all convenor quota seats went to SC, ST, and BC candidates confirms that the reserved category quota system is functioning. On the other hand, the allegation that 90% of open category entrants from round two onwards were from upper castes, while reserved categories comprise over 50% of the merit list, suggests a potential disparity that warrants scrutiny.

The year-on-year increase in open category representation (from 51.57% to 59.87%) is a positive trend, but it still falls short of the 50%+ representation in the overall merit list. This gap could indicate either that reserved category candidates are not listing open category colleges in their preferences, or that procedural rules are limiting their access in ways that are not fully captured by the university's data. The fact that the Andhra Pradesh High Court has been apprised of the procedure suggests that judicial oversight is in place, but aspirants should remain informed about these nuances.

Frequently asked questions

If you are a reserved category NEET aspirant, the key takeaway is that open category seats are genuinely accessible to you on merit, as evidenced by the 59.87% representation in 2026-27. However, understand the procedural rules around seat relinquishment and ensure your preferences clearly reflect your aspirations. Stay informed about counselling updates and do not hesitate to seek clarification from NTRUHS or your state counselling authority if you have concerns about the allotment process.