Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), Telangana, has released the official seat matrix for Competent Authority Quota (CAQ) admissions to postgraduate medical programmes for the 2026–27 academic year. This matrix covers service non-clinical MD degrees in eight specialities (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine), as well as Diploma in Public Health (DPH). The seats are distributed across 29 government and private medical colleges in Telangana and are reserved for service candidates (doctors employed in government health services). The matrix breaks down available seats by category — Open (OC), Backward Caste (BC A–E), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) — and by gender and disability status. This is a critical reference document for candidates eligible under the Competent Authority Quota pathway and for understanding the total pool of seats available in each speciality.
KNRUHS has published the complete Competent Authority Quota seat matrix for service non-clinical MD and DPH programmes across Telangana for 2026–27, showing college-wise and category-wise seat availability.
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Unlock My College ListWhat is the Competent Authority Quota (CAQ)?
The Competent Authority Quota is a separate counselling pathway for postgraduate medical admissions in Telangana, distinct from the all-India NEET-PG merit-based counselling. It is reserved exclusively for doctors already employed in government health services in Telangana — typically those working in government hospitals, primary health centres, and other state-run medical facilities.
Under CAQ, the state's Competent Authority (usually the Director of Medical Education or equivalent) directly allocates seats to eligible service candidates without going through the national NEET-PG merit list. This pathway allows serving doctors to pursue postgraduate qualifications while remaining in government employment, often with a bond or service obligation.
The seat matrix you are reading shows the total number of seats available under CAQ for each speciality, college, and category. These seats are NOT part of the all-India NEET-PG counselling and are filled through a separate state-level process.
Specialities and Programmes Covered
This seat matrix covers eight service non-clinical MD specialities and one diploma programme. Non-clinical specialities are those that do not involve direct patient care in a clinical setting — they are laboratory-based, research-oriented, or public health-focused disciplines.
The eight MD specialities are: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine. Each is a 3-year postgraduate degree programme. Additionally, Diploma in Public Health (DPH) is a 1-year diploma programme offered at select colleges.
All these programmes are offered under the Competent Authority Quota exclusively for service candidates. The seat matrix shows how many seats each college has in each speciality, broken down by category and gender.
- MD Anatomy (Service)
- MD Physiology (Service)
- MD Biochemistry (Service)
- MD Pathology (Service)
- MD Microbiology (Service)
- MD Pharmacology (Service)
- MD Forensic Medicine (Service)
- MD Community Medicine (Service)
- DPH (Diploma in Public Health)
Colleges Participating in CAQ Admissions
The seat matrix lists 29 medical colleges across Telangana — a mix of government and private institutions. Government colleges include Osmania Medical College (Hyderabad), Gandhi Medical College (Hyderabad), Kakatiya Medical College (Warangal), and Government Medical Colleges in Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar, Adilabad, Siddipet, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Ramagundam, and Janagaon. ESIC Medical College and RIMS Adilabad are also included.
Private medical colleges in the list include Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhaskar Medical College, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr. Patnam Mahender Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences (Narketpally), Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences (Hyderabad), Maheshwara Medical College, Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Mamata Medical College (Khammam), Mamata Academy of Medical Sciences (Bachupally), Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, MNR Medical College, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, RVM Institute of Medical Sciences, Surabhi Institute of Medical Sciences, SVS Medical College, TRR Institute of Medical Sciences, and CMR Institute of Medical Sciences.
Not all colleges offer seats in all specialities. For example, some colleges may have seats only in Anatomy or Pathology, while others may offer multiple specialities. The matrix shows exactly which college offers how many seats in each speciality.
- Government colleges: Osmania, Gandhi, Kakatiya, GMC Nizamabad, GMC Mahabubnagar, RIMS Adilabad, GMC Siddipet, GMC Nalgonda, GMC Suryapet, ESIC, GMC Ramagundam, GMC Janagaon
- Private colleges: Apollo, Bhaskar, Chalmeda Anand Rao, Dr. Patnam Mahender Reddy, Kamineni (Narketpally), Kamineni Academy (Hyderabad), Maheshwara, Mahavir, Mamata (Khammam), Mamata Academy (Bachupally), Mediciti, MNR, Prathima, RVM, Surabhi, SVS, TRR, CMR
Understanding the Seat Matrix: Categories and Codes
The seat matrix uses a coded system to show seat availability. Each column represents a specific category and gender combination. The codes are: OC_G (Open Category Male), OC_F (Open Category Female), OC_PH_G (Open Category Male with Disability), OC_PH_F (Open Category Female with Disability), and similar codes for Backward Caste (BC A, BC B, BC C, BC D, BC E), Scheduled Caste (SC 1, SC 2, SC 3), and Scheduled Tribe (ST).
The 'PH' suffix stands for 'Persons with Hearing Impairment' or disability — these are reserved seats for candidates with disabilities. The 'G' suffix denotes male (General/Gents) and 'F' denotes female. For example, BC A_PH_G means a seat reserved for a male candidate from Backward Caste A category with a disability.
A number in a cell (e.g., '1') indicates that the college has one seat available in that category for that speciality. An empty cell means no seat is available in that category at that college for that speciality. This granular breakdown helps candidates identify exactly which colleges have seats matching their category and gender.
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- OC = Open Category
- BC A, BC B, BC C, BC D, BC E = Backward Caste sub-categories
- SC 1, SC 2, SC 3 = Scheduled Caste sub-categories
- ST = Scheduled Tribe
- G = Male (Gents)
- F = Female
- PH = Persons with Disability
- BC POOL_G = Backward Caste pooled seats (male)
Seat Distribution by Speciality: Key Numbers
The NET GROUP SEAT MATRIX (the summary table on page 10) provides a quick overview of total seats available in each speciality across all colleges combined. This helps candidates understand which specialities have the most seats and which are more competitive.
For example, Pathology has the highest total seats (6 male + 4 female = 10 in Open Category alone), followed by Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Community Medicine (each with 3–4 male and 2 female seats in Open Category). Forensic Medicine has the fewest seats (1 male + 1 female in Open Category). DPH has only 1 seat total.
These numbers represent only the Competent Authority Quota pool. The actual number of seats you can access depends on your category, gender, disability status, and the college you choose. Candidates from SC, ST, and BC categories will see different seat counts in their respective category columns.
| Speciality | OC Male | OC Female | OC PH Male | OC PH Female | BC Male | BC Female | SC Male | SC Female | ST Male | ST Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Physiology | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Biochemistry | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Pathology | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Microbiology | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Pharmacology | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Forensic Medicine | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Community Medicine | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DPH | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
How to Read the College-Wise Matrices
Each speciality has its own detailed matrix showing seat availability at every college. For example, the MD Anatomy (Service) matrix lists all 29 colleges in rows and all category/gender combinations in columns. To find seats available to you, locate your college in the left column, then move across to your category column (e.g., SC 2_F for Scheduled Caste 2, Female). If there is a '1' in that cell, the college has one seat for you in that speciality.
If a cell is blank or shows '0', that college has no seat in that category for that speciality. This means you cannot apply to that college for that speciality under your category, even if the college offers the speciality to other categories.
For candidates with disabilities (PH suffix), check the PH columns. For example, OC_PH_G means Open Category Male with disability. Some colleges may have PH seats while others do not. The matrix makes this transparent so you can plan your college choices accordingly.
- Locate your preferred college in the left column
- Find your category and gender combination in the column headers
- If the cell shows '1', a seat is available for you at that college in that speciality
- If the cell is blank or '0', no seat is available in your category at that college
- Check all colleges to identify all available options for your category
Important Observations: Seat Availability Patterns
Osmania Medical College, Gandhi Medical College, and Kakatiya Medical College (the three major government colleges) have the most seats across specialities. Osmania, for instance, has seats in almost all eight MD specialities and across multiple categories. This reflects their larger postgraduate capacity.
Smaller colleges and some private institutions have seats in only one or two specialities. For example, some colleges may offer only Pathology or Community Medicine. This is because not all colleges have the infrastructure or faculty to run all specialities.
Backward Caste (BC) seats are distributed across five sub-categories (BC A, BC B, BC C, BC D, BC E), each with its own reserved seats. Candidates must check which BC sub-category they belong to and look for seats in that specific column. There is also a BC POOL_G column for pooled male seats.
Scheduled Caste (SC) seats are divided into SC 1, SC 2, and SC 3 sub-categories. Similarly, Scheduled Tribe (ST) seats are available but in smaller numbers. Candidates from these categories must verify their sub-category and check the corresponding columns.
Seats for Persons with Disability (PH) are limited and available only at select colleges. If you have a disability and are eligible for PH seats, check the PH columns carefully — not all colleges have them.
- Government colleges (Osmania, Gandhi, Kakatiya) have the highest seat counts
- Smaller colleges offer seats in only 1–2 specialities
- BC category is divided into 5 sub-categories (A–E); check your sub-category
- SC category is divided into 3 sub-categories; ST is not subdivided
- PH (disability) seats are limited and not available at all colleges
- Female seats are fewer than male seats in most specialities
Who is Eligible for Competent Authority Quota Admissions?
Competent Authority Quota admissions are reserved for doctors (MBBS graduates) who are currently employed in government health services in Telangana. This includes doctors working in government hospitals, medical colleges, primary health centres, community health centres, and other state-run health facilities.
Eligibility typically requires: (1) a valid MBBS degree from a recognized medical college, (2) current employment in a government health service in Telangana, (3) a valid registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC), and (4) fulfillment of the state's specific eligibility criteria (which may include minimum years of service, performance ratings, or other conditions).
Candidates must also belong to one of the reserved categories (OC, BC, SC, ST) as per Telangana's reservation policy. The category certificate must be valid and issued by the competent authority. Candidates with disabilities can apply for PH seats if they meet the disability criteria.
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This pathway is NOT open to private practitioners, doctors working in private hospitals, or those not currently employed in government service. It is also separate from the all-India NEET-PG merit-based counselling, so NEET-PG scores are typically not used for CAQ admissions.
- Must be an MBBS graduate with a valid degree
- Must be currently employed in a government health service in Telangana
- Must have a valid MCI/NMC registration
- Must belong to a recognized category (OC, BC, SC, ST)
- Must have a valid category certificate if applying under reserved category
- Must meet any additional state-specific eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum service period)
- Candidates with disabilities can apply for PH seats if eligible
How CAQ Admissions Work: The Process
Competent Authority Quota admissions follow a separate process from all-India NEET-PG counselling. After the seat matrix is released, eligible candidates are invited to apply or register with the state's designated authority (usually the Directorate of Medical Education or the university itself).
Candidates typically submit an application with proof of eligibility: MBBS degree, employment certificate from their government employer, MCI/NMC registration, category certificate (if applicable), and any other documents specified by the authority. The application window has a defined start and end date, which will be announced separately.
Once applications are received, the authority prepares a merit list based on criteria such as NEET-PG score (if applicable), academic performance, years of service, or other state-defined parameters. Candidates are then called for counselling in order of merit.
During counselling, candidates are offered seats based on their merit rank, category, and the available seats in the matrix. They can choose their preferred college and speciality from the available options. Seat allotment is done in rounds, and candidates must report to their allotted college within the specified joining period.
The exact dates for application, merit list, counselling, and joining will be announced by KNRUHS or the state authority. Candidates must watch for these announcements on the official KNRUHS website or the state health department portal.
- Seat matrix is released (this document)
- Application window opens; eligible candidates apply with required documents
- Merit list is prepared based on state-defined criteria
- Counselling is conducted in order of merit
- Candidates choose college and speciality from available seats
- Seat allotment is done in rounds
- Candidates report to allotted college within joining period
- Admission is finalized after document verification and bond signing (if applicable)
Key Dates and Next Steps
This seat matrix has been released to inform eligible candidates of the available seats for the 2026–27 academic year. However, the matrix alone does not trigger any immediate action from candidates. The actual application process will begin only after the state authority announces the application window.
Candidates should regularly check the KNRUHS official website (knruhs.telangana.gov.in) and the Telangana health department portal for announcements regarding: (1) the application start and end dates, (2) the list of required documents, (3) the merit list release date, (4) counselling schedule, and (5) joining dates.
Once the application window is announced, eligible candidates must apply within the deadline with all required documents. Missing the deadline will result in ineligibility, even if you are otherwise qualified. It is advisable to prepare your documents (MBBS degree, employment certificate, category certificate, MCI/NMC registration) in advance so you can apply quickly when the window opens.
The seat matrix is valid for the 2026–27 academic year only. If you do not secure a seat in this round, you may be eligible to apply in subsequent years if the seats are re-offered or if new seats are created.
- Seat matrix released: November 2026 (this document)
- Application window: To be announced by KNRUHS
- Merit list: To be announced
- Counselling dates: To be announced
- Joining dates: To be announced
- Check KNRUHS website regularly for updates
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ **Confusing CAQ with NEET-PG Counselling**: Competent Authority Quota is a separate pathway. If you are a service candidate, you may be eligible for CAQ, but you are NOT eligible for the all-India NEET-PG merit-based counselling. Do not assume you can participate in both. Check the state authority's guidelines to confirm which pathway applies to you.
⚠️ **Applying with an Expired or Invalid Category Certificate**: If you are applying under a reserved category (BC, SC, ST), your category certificate must be valid and issued by the competent authority. An expired certificate or one issued by an unauthorized body will result in rejection. Verify the validity and issuing authority before applying.
⚠️ **Missing the Application Deadline**: The application window will have a strict end date. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, regardless of the reason. Mark the dates on your calendar and apply well before the deadline.
⚠️ **Not Reading the Seat Matrix Correctly**: The matrix uses coded columns (OC_G, BC A_F, SC 2_PH_G, etc.). If you misidentify your category or gender code, you may look for seats in the wrong column and miss available options. Double-check your category code before searching for seats.
⚠️ **Assuming All Colleges Offer All Specialities**: Not all colleges have seats in all specialities. If your preferred college does not have a seat in your category for your chosen speciality, you cannot apply there for that speciality. Check the matrix carefully before deciding on your college choices.
⚠️ **Ignoring Employment Certificate Requirements**: You must have a valid employment certificate from your government employer confirming your current employment status. An old or expired certificate will not be accepted. Obtain a fresh certificate before applying.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Competent Authority Quota (CAQ) and NEET-PG counselling?
Competent Authority Quota is a separate state-level pathway for postgraduate admissions reserved exclusively for doctors employed in government health services in Telangana. NEET-PG counselling is an all-India merit-based process open to all MBBS graduates who have qualified the NEET-PG exam. CAQ does not require NEET-PG scores and is not part of the national counselling. Service candidates in Telangana are typically eligible for CAQ but not for NEET-PG counselling.
I am an MBBS doctor working in a government hospital in Telangana. Am I eligible for CAQ admissions?
Yes, if you meet all eligibility criteria: you must have a valid MBBS degree, current employment in a government health service in Telangana, valid MCI/NMC registration, and belong to a recognized category (OC, BC, SC, ST). You must also meet any additional state-specific requirements (e.g., minimum service period). Check the official eligibility notification from KNRUHS to confirm all requirements.
What do the codes like 'OC_G', 'BC A_F', and 'SC 2_PH_G' mean in the seat matrix?
These codes represent category and gender combinations. OC_G = Open Category Male, OC_F = Open Category Female, OC_PH_G = Open Category Male with Disability, BC A_F = Backward Caste A Female, SC 2_PH_G = Scheduled Caste 2 Male with Disability, and so on. Find your category, gender, and disability status (if applicable) in the column headers, then look for your college in the rows to see if a seat is available for you.
How many total seats are available in each speciality under CAQ?
The NET GROUP SEAT MATRIX on page 10 shows the total seats available across all colleges for each speciality. For example, Pathology has 10 seats in Open Category (6 male + 4 female), Anatomy has 5 seats (3 male + 2 female), and Forensic Medicine has only 2 seats (1 male + 1 female). The total varies by category; check the matrix for your specific category.
My preferred college does not show a seat in my category for my chosen speciality. What should I do?
If your college has no seat in your category for that speciality, you cannot apply there for that speciality under CAQ. Check other colleges in the matrix that have seats in your category for the same speciality. You may need to choose a different college or speciality, or wait for a subsequent counselling round if seats are re-offered.
I have a disability. Are there seats reserved for me?
Yes, seats are reserved for Persons with Disability (PH) under each category. Look for columns with the 'PH' suffix (e.g., OC_PH_G, BC A_PH_F, SC 2_PH_G). However, PH seats are limited and not available at all colleges. Check the matrix carefully to identify colleges that have PH seats in your category and speciality. You must also provide valid disability documentation during application.
When will the application window open for CAQ admissions?
The seat matrix has been released, but the application window date has not been announced in this document. Watch the KNRUHS official website (knruhs.telangana.gov.in) and the Telangana health department portal for announcements regarding application dates, merit list release, counselling schedule, and joining dates. These will be announced separately by the state authority.
What documents do I need to apply for CAQ admissions?
While the exact document list will be announced with the application notification, typically you will need: (1) MBBS degree certificate, (2) employment certificate from your government employer, (3) MCI/NMC registration certificate, (4) category certificate (if applying under BC, SC, or ST), (5) disability certificate (if applying for PH seats), and (6) identity proof. Prepare these documents in advance so you can apply quickly when the window opens.
Can I apply for multiple specialities or colleges under CAQ?
The seat matrix shows available seats, but the exact rules for applying to multiple specialities or colleges will be specified in the application guidelines. Typically, candidates are allowed to list multiple choices in order of preference during counselling, and seats are allotted based on merit rank and availability. Check the official application guidelines when they are released.
I am from Backward Caste (BC) category. Which BC sub-category should I look for in the matrix?
Telangana recognizes five BC sub-categories: BC A, BC B, BC C, BC D, and BC E. Your category certificate will specify which sub-category you belong to. Look for seats in your specific sub-category column (e.g., BC A_G, BC B_F) in the matrix. There is also a BC POOL_G column for pooled male seats. Do not confuse your sub-category; using the wrong column will cause you to miss available seats.
Is this seat matrix final, or can it change before counselling?
The seat matrix is released based on the current status of colleges and programmes. However, seats can change due to various reasons (e.g., college closures, programme suspensions, or regulatory changes). Always refer to the latest official notification from KNRUHS before applying. If there are any changes, the authority will release an updated matrix.
What happens if I do not secure a seat in this CAQ round?
If you do not secure a seat in the current round, you may be eligible to apply in subsequent counselling rounds if additional seats are released or if seats become vacant due to candidate withdrawals. You can also apply in the next academic year if the seats are re-offered. Keep checking the KNRUHS website for announcements of additional rounds.
The Competent Authority Quota seat matrix for service non-clinical MD and DPH programmes is now available. If you are an MBBS doctor employed in a government health service in Telangana, review the matrix carefully to identify colleges and specialities where seats are available in your category. Prepare all required documents (MBBS degree, employment certificate, category certificate, MCI/NMC registration) in advance. Watch the KNRUHS official website (knruhs.telangana.gov.in) closely for announcements of the application window, merit list, counselling dates, and joining deadlines — these will be released separately. Apply within the deadline once the application window opens; missing the deadline will result in ineligibility.
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