NTRUHS MBBS Seat Allotment 2026-27: Reserved Category Upgrade Row Explained

A controversy has emerged around how MBBS seats were allocated to reserved category candidates at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS) in Andhra Pradesh for the 2026-27 academic year. Activists alleged that the university's software was preventing Backward Class (BC), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates from moving to open competition seats even when their ranks qualified them. NTRUHS has now publicly rejected these claims and released detailed data to support its position. For NEET-UG aspirants from reserved categories in Andhra Pradesh, understanding this dispute is important because it affects how counselling rounds work and what options are available to you.

What was the allegation against NTRUHS?

A political leader from the Liberation Congress party claimed that NTRUHS was using specially designed software to prevent reserved category candidates from upgrading to open competition seats during the second and later rounds of counselling. According to the allegation, even though these candidates had ranks and eligibility that would normally allow them to compete for open seats, the system was blocking this transition.

The activist further alleged that while reserved category candidates made up more than 50% of the overall merit list, nearly 90% of those who successfully moved to open competition seats from round two onwards belonged to upper castes. He cited a specific example: a BC candidate who received an MBBS seat at Guntur Medical College under the reserved category in round one should have been allowed to apply for other colleges based on their rank in subsequent rounds, but allegedly was not. The allegation suggested that approximately 60 to 70 reserved category candidates lost opportunities due to this restriction.

• Claim: Software prevented BC, SC, ST candidates from upgrading to open seats despite meeting rank and eligibility criteria
• Claim: Reserved category candidates could upgrade colleges but not categories
• Claim: 90% of open category upgrades from round 2 onwards went to upper caste candidates
• Claim: Estimated 60–70 reserved category candidates lost admission opportunities

How did NTRUHS respond to these allegations?

The university's registrar issued an official statement rejecting all allegations and asserting that the 2026-27 MBBS seat allotment followed all prescribed rules and regulations. Rather than defending the software or the process in abstract terms, NTRUHS released specific numerical data to counter the claims. The university emphasized that it had also informed the Andhra Pradesh High Court about its allotment procedure, suggesting transparency and legal compliance.

The registrar explained that when meritorious reserved category candidates secured open category seats and later relinquished them, those vacancies were filled by candidates from the respective reserved categories according to established rules. This is a standard procedure in counselling: when a seat becomes vacant, it is filled from the next eligible candidate in the merit list for that category. The university maintained that this process was not designed to harm reserved category candidates but to ensure fair and orderly seat allocation.

• NTRUHS denies allegations and claims full compliance with rules
• University says it informed Andhra Pradesh High Court of its procedure
• Registrar explains that vacant open seats are filled by reserved category candidates per rules
• University maintains the process protects rather than harms reserved category candidates

What data did NTRUHS release to support its position?

NTRUHS released two key statistics for the 2026-27 academic year. First, the university reported that 3,543 MBBS seats—accounting for 77.34% of the 4,581 convenor quota seats—were allotted to SC, ST, and BC candidates after three rounds of counselling. This shows that the vast majority of reserved category seats went to their intended beneficiaries. Second, and more directly addressing the allegation, NTRUHS stated that 1,213 of the 2,026 open category seats were secured by meritorious candidates from SC, ST, and BC categories, representing 59.87% of all open seats.

The university also highlighted a year-on-year improvement: the percentage of open category seats going to meritorious reserved category candidates increased from 51.57% in 2025-26 to 59.87% in 2026-27. This upward trend contradicts the allegation that the system was blocking reserved category candidates from open seats. Instead, it suggests that more such candidates are successfully competing for and securing open seats based on merit. The registrar clarified that candidates from reserved categories are entitled to seats under constitutional reservation provisions, and meritorious candidates among them can also compete for open seats on the basis of their rank.

• 77.34% of convenor quota seats (3,543 out of 4,581) went to SC/ST/BC candidates
• 59.87% of open category seats (1,213 out of 2,026) went to meritorious SC/ST/BC candidates
• This represents an increase from 51.57% in 2025-26, showing year-on-year improvement
• Data suggests reserved category candidates are successfully competing for open seats

What is the Meritorious Reserved Category (MRC) system?

The Meritorious Reserved Category (MRC) system is the mechanism by which candidates from SC, ST, and BC categories who have strong enough ranks can compete for open category seats. Under this system, a reserved category candidate's rank is evaluated against all candidates, not just those in their category. If their rank is high enough to qualify for an open seat, they can be allotted one. This is distinct from reserved category seats, which are set aside specifically for SC, ST, and BC candidates.

The registrar explained that MRC seats are allotted according to rules and the web options (college and course preferences) submitted by students during counselling. This means that a reserved category candidate's ability to upgrade to an open seat depends on two factors: their rank relative to all candidates, and their stated preferences in the counselling form. The university clarified that this process is transparent and rule-based, not arbitrary or software-driven discrimination.

• MRC allows reserved category candidates to compete for open seats based on merit
• Allotment depends on rank and student preferences submitted during counselling
• Distinct from reserved category seats, which are set aside for SC/ST/BC candidates
• Process is rule-based and transparent, according to NTRUHS

What is Government Order 102 and why is it relevant?

Government Order (GO) 102 is a state government directive that governs aspects of MBBS admissions in Andhra Pradesh. The allegation specifically claimed that the implementation of GO 102 had resulted in injustice to reserved category students. However, NTRUHS's registrar refuted this claim, stating that the university had followed all prescribed rules and regulations in applying GO 102 during the seat allotment process.

While the exact details of GO 102 are not fully elaborated in the university's response, the registrar's statement suggests that the order itself does not restrict reserved category candidates from upgrading to open seats. Instead, the university maintains that GO 102 has been implemented fairly and in accordance with constitutional reservation principles. The fact that NTRUHS informed the Andhra Pradesh High Court of its procedure suggests that the university believes its interpretation of GO 102 is legally sound.

• GO 102 is a state government order governing MBBS admissions in Andhra Pradesh
• Allegation claimed GO 102 implementation harmed reserved category candidates
• NTRUHS denies this and says it followed all rules in applying GO 102
• University informed Andhra Pradesh High Court of its procedure

How does category upgradation work in MBBS counselling?

Category upgradation is the process by which a reserved category candidate can move from a reserved category seat to an open category seat if their rank qualifies them. In a typical counselling process, there are multiple rounds. In the first round, candidates are allotted seats based on their category and rank. From the second round onwards, if a candidate from a reserved category has a rank that would qualify them for an open seat, they may be offered one if they have expressed that preference and if such seats are available.

The key principle is that a candidate's rank is compared against all candidates in the merit list, not just those in their category. If their rank is high enough, they can be allotted an open seat. However, this depends on several factors: the candidate's stated preferences in the counselling form, the availability of open seats, and the rules governing how vacancies are filled. The allegation was that NTRUHS's software was preventing this natural upgradation process, but the university's data suggests that upgradation is actually happening at increasing rates.

• Category upgradation allows reserved category candidates to move to open seats based on rank
• Process depends on candidate preferences, seat availability, and allotment rules
• Happens from round 2 onwards if candidate's rank qualifies for open category
• NTRUHS data shows upgradation rates are increasing, not decreasing

What does this mean for NEET-UG aspirants from reserved categories?

If you are a NEET-UG aspirant from an SC, ST, or BC category in Andhra Pradesh, this controversy highlights the importance of understanding how counselling works and what your options are. The data released by NTRUHS suggests that reserved category candidates are successfully competing for and securing open seats at increasing rates. In 2026-27, nearly 60% of open category MBBS seats went to meritorious reserved category candidates, which is a significant proportion.

During counselling, you should carefully fill out your preferences (web options) to include colleges and seats you wish to pursue, whether under your reserved category or under open competition if your rank qualifies. The allotment process will evaluate your rank against all candidates and allot you the best available seat according to your preferences and eligibility. If you believe you have been unfairly denied an upgrade or allotment, you have the right to seek clarification from the university or approach the High Court, as the allegation in this case demonstrates.

• Reserved category candidates are successfully competing for open seats
• 59.87% of open seats in 2026-27 went to meritorious SC/ST/BC candidates
• Carefully fill your counselling preferences to include all eligible options
• Your rank is evaluated against all candidates, not just your category
• You have recourse if you believe you have been unfairly treated

What are the broader implications for medical admissions transparency?

This controversy underscores the need for transparency and clear communication in MBBS counselling processes. When candidates and their families do not fully understand how allotment works, allegations of unfairness can arise even if the process is actually rule-based. NTRUHS's decision to release detailed data and inform the High Court of its procedure is a step toward greater transparency, but more can be done.

Medical colleges and universities should proactively publish information about how category upgradation works, what factors influence allotment, and how candidates can verify that they have been treated fairly. Clear, accessible explanations of the rules—especially regarding reserved categories, merit-based upgradation, and the role of software in allotment—can help prevent misunderstandings and build confidence in the admission process. For aspirants, this means you should seek out official information from your university and counselling authority rather than relying on rumors or incomplete information.

• Transparency in counselling processes is essential to prevent allegations of unfairness
• Universities should proactively explain how allotment and upgradation work
• Clear communication about reserved categories and merit-based seats reduces confusion
• Aspirants should rely on official sources for accurate information

Frequently asked questions

If you are a NEET-UG aspirant from a reserved category in Andhra Pradesh, focus on understanding your rank, filling your counselling preferences carefully, and consulting official university sources for accurate information about allotment and upgradation. The data released by NTRUHS suggests that reserved category candidates are successfully competing for open seats, so ensure you include all eligible options in your preferences during counselling.