On 26 September 2026, Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), Telangana's NEET-UG medical counselling authority, issued a notice declaring 37 candidates ineligible to claim Scheduled Tribe (ST) category reservation for MBBS/BDS admissions under Competent Authority Quota. These candidates will now be treated as Open category applicants. Critically, nine of these 37 candidates had already been allotted MBBS seats conditionally in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of counselling under ST category—those seats are now cancelled and will be re-offered in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling. This notice directly affects candidates in Telangana who applied under ST reservation and their admission status.
37 ST-category candidates are now ineligible for Telangana ST reservation; 9 already-allotted MBBS seats are cancelled and will be re-offered in Phase 3 counselling to eligible ST candidates.
What Happened: The Core Decision
The Telangana Tribal Welfare Department, on 22 September 2026, furnished a list of 37 candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria to claim Scheduled Tribe (ST) category reservation benefits under Telangana State law for MBBS/BDS admissions. This decision was communicated to KNRUHS via official reference Rc.No.1298/TRI/TSV/2026.
Based on this communication, KNRUHS has declared that all 37 candidates shall no longer be considered under the ST category for admission to MBBS/BDS courses under Competent Authority Quota in Telangana. Instead, they will be treated as Open category candidates, subject to their eligibility and merit in subsequent counselling phases.
This is not a rejection of admission outright—it is a reclassification of category. Candidates remain eligible to compete for seats in the Open category based on their NEET rank and merit.
Why Were These Candidates Declared Ineligible?
The primary reason for ineligibility is migration. The Telangana Tribal Welfare Department found that most of these 37 candidates (or their families) had migrated to Telangana from other states—primarily Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra—before or after the formation of Telangana State in 2014.
According to a Supreme Court judgment dated 2 May 1990 in W.P. (Civil) No. 989 of 1989, individuals who migrated from one state to another after state reorganization are not entitled to derive reservation benefits from the state of migration. They retain eligibility only in their state of origin. This principle has been consistently applied by Telangana courts.
Additionally, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 (Section 95) stipulates that the ten-year period for equal opportunities in admission quotas ended on 1 June 2024. Since this date has passed, individuals who migrated to Telangana prior to the formation of Telangana State (1 June 2014) are no longer eligible to claim ST reservation in Telangana. Their reservation eligibility remains tied to their state of origin (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, or Maharashtra).
The notice includes two annexures detailing the specific reasons for each candidate's ineligibility, citing their migration history, the state they migrated from, and the year of migration.
- Migration from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, or Maharashtra to Telangana before or after state formation
- Supreme Court ruling that migrants are entitled to reservation only in their state of origin
- Expiry of the 10-year transition period (ended 1 June 2024) under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014
- Candidates' family lineage traced back permanently to their original state, not Telangana
The 37 Ineligible Candidates: Full List
The notice provides a complete list of all 37 candidates with their NEET UG roll numbers, NEET ranks, names, and gender. This list is critical for candidates to check if they are affected. If your name appears on this list, you must immediately understand that your ST category status has been revoked and you will compete in the Open category from Phase 3 onwards.
The candidates range in NEET rank from 81,872 (highest rank) to 1,097,813 (lowest rank), indicating a wide spread of merit. The list includes 20 female and 17 male candidates.
- Bukke Vishruth (NEET Rank 187355)
- Erukula Hemadri (NEET Rank 221669)
- Kaki Nagashayana (NEET Rank 252125)
- N Bhuvan (NEET Rank 357962)
- Mude Vakul (NEET Rank 504716)
- Palakeerthi Sushma (NEET Rank 648084)
- Sugali Vadthe Tanushri (NEET Rank 1001993)
- Peram Sohan (NEET Rank 1059798)
- Nenavath Kovida (NEET Rank 81872)
- Sankarapuram Rachana (NEET Rank 255430)
- Nalabothula Chaitra (NEET Rank 379224)
- Ninavath Dinesh Kumar Naik (NEET Rank 506547)
- Kotla Nagasri Yagna (NEET Rank 619260)
- G Harshitha (NEET Rank 492902)
- Yerukala Sumalatha (NEET Rank 402844)
- Vadthya Manjula (NEET Rank 277709)
- Male Sai Harshini (NEET Rank 91048)
- Devarasetti Nihal Siddarth (NEET Rank 176298)
- Pujari Purohreethika (NEET Rank 226118)
- Devasoth Tarun Naik (NEET Rank 353877)
- Jarapala Rebecca Bai (NEET Rank 662228)
- Meda Jahnavi (NEET Rank 453151)
- Yerukala Indupriya (NEET Rank 262443)
- Mudu Sai Varshini (NEET Rank 405048)
- Chittipothula Kavya Madhuri (NEET Rank 560438)
- Vadithe Chandra Harshini (NEET Rank 98810)
- M Gayatri Chauhan (NEET Rank 252087)
- Kumbha Jithya (NEET Rank 329687)
- Manapati Hari Priya (NEET Rank 376786)
- Devarakonda Gopichand (NEET Rank 489182)
- Mogili Renu Sri (NEET Rank 579910)
- Sri Aruna Kamanchi (NEET Rank 720560)
- Abhimalla Hamsavahini (NEET Rank 839308)
- Bheema Deekshitha (NEET Rank 292861)
- Gujjala Manasa (NEET Rank 652869)
- Pasupula Eepsitha (NEET Rank 395606)
- Chevuri Abhinav Surya (NEET Rank 1097813)
| S.No | NEET UG Roll No | NEET Rank | Candidate Name | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4201116082 | 187355 | Bukke Vishruth | M |
| 2 | 4201307183 | 221669 | Erukula Hemadri | M |
| 3 | 4208201362 | 252125 | Kaki Nagashayana | F |
| 4 | 4201315115 | 357962 | N Bhuvan | M |
| 5 | 4221107173 | 504716 | Mude Vakul | M |
| 6 | 4201302107 | 648084 | Palakeerthi Sushma | F |
| 7 | 4201208118 | 1007993 | Sugali Vadthe Tanushri | F |
| 8 | 4203104062 | 1059798 | Peram Sohan | M |
| 9 | 4201404134 | 81872 | Nenavath Kovida | F |
| 10 | 4201310275 | 255430 | Sankarapuram Rachana | F |
| 11 | 4201410324 | 379224 | Nalabothula Chaitra | F |
| 12 | 4201413032 | 506547 | Ninavath Dinesh Kumar Naik | M |
| 13 | 4201109046 | 619260 | Kotla Nagasri Yagna | F |
| 14 | 4219104184 | 492902 | G Harshitha | F |
| 15 | 4201404266 | 402844 | Yerukala Sumalatha | F |
| 16 | 4201202547 | 277709 | Vadthya Manjula | F |
| 17 | 4201304463 | 91048 | Male Sai Harshini | F |
| 18 | 4201415014 | 176298 | Devarasetti Nihal Siddarth | M |
| 19 | 4201117100 | 226118 | Pujari Purohreethika | F |
| 20 | 4205105228 | 353877 | Devasoth Tarun Naik | M |
| 21 | 4201107234 | 662228 | Jarapala Rebecca Bai | F |
| 22 | 4208201408 | 453151 | Meda Jahnavi | F |
| 23 | 4201408471 | 262443 | Yerukala Indupriya | F |
| 24 | 4208204239 | 405048 | Mudu Sai Varshini | F |
| 25 | 4201107401 | 560438 | Chittipothula Kavya Madhuri | F |
| 26 | 4208202203 | 98810 | Vadithe Chandra Harshini | F |
| 27 | 4201302126 | 252087 | M Gayatri Chauhan | F |
| 28 | 4211101098 | 329687 | Kumbha Jithya | F |
| 29 | 4201204293 | 376786 | Manapati Hari Priya | F |
| 30 | 4201408446 | 489182 | Devarakonda Gopichand | M |
| 31 | 4208208086 | 579910 | Mogili Renu Sri | F |
| 32 | 4201101369 | 720560 | Sri Aruna Kamanchi | F |
| 33 | 4201403436 | 839308 | Abhimalla Hamsavahini | F |
| 34 | 4219104129 | 292861 | Bheema Deekshitha | F |
| 35 | 4208206073 | 652869 | Gujjala Manasa | F |
| 36 | 4219103128 | 395606 | Pasupula Eepsitha | F |
| 37 | 4201301297 | 1097813 | Chevuri Abhinav Surya | F |
Nine Candidates with Already-Allotted Seats: Cancellation Details
Of the 37 ineligible candidates, nine had already been allotted MBBS seats conditionally during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of counselling under ST category. These nine candidates received allotments at various government and private medical colleges in Telangana. However, because they are now declared ineligible for ST category, their conditional allotments are cancelled effective immediately.
The nine affected candidates and their allotted colleges are listed below. If you are one of these nine, your seat is no longer yours. You will not be able to report to the college or proceed with admission under ST category. However, you remain eligible to participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling as an Open category candidate, and you may be allotted a different seat based on your merit and availability.
The seats vacated by these nine candidates are now treated as vacant and will be re-offered in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling to eligible ST candidates who meet the merit criteria. This ensures that ST seats are not wasted and go to genuinely eligible candidates.
| S.No | NEET UG Roll No | NEET Rank | Candidate Name | College Allotted | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4201116082 | 187355 | Bukke Vishruth | Government Medical College, Vikarabad | P1 |
| 2 | 4201307183 | 221669 | Erukula Hemadri | RVM Institute of Medical Sciences, Siddipet | P1 |
| 3 | 4201404134 | 81872 | Nenavath Kovida | ESIC Medical College, Hyderabad | P1 |
| 4 | 4201304463 | 91048 | Male Sai Harshini | Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad | P1 |
| 5 | 4208201362 | 252125 | Kaki Nagashayana | Raja Rajeshwari Medical College – Girls, Patancheru | P2 |
| 6 | 4201310275 | 255430 | Sankarapuram Rachana | NOVA Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad | P2 |
| 7 | 4201415014 | 176298 | Devarasetti Nihal Siddarth | Government Medical College, Karimnagar | P2 |
| 8 | 4208202203 | 98810 | Vadithe Chandra Harshini | Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad | P2 |
| 9 | 4201302126 | 252087 | M Gayatri Chauhan | TRR Institute of Medical Sciences, Patancheru | P2 |
What Happens to These Candidates Now?
All 37 candidates are now reclassified as Open category applicants. This means they will compete for MBBS/BDS seats in the Open category quota, not the ST quota, in all future counselling phases.
For the nine candidates whose seats were cancelled: they are eligible to participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling as Open category candidates. Their NEET rank and merit will determine their eligibility for available Open category seats. They will not be able to claim any ST category seat or benefit.
For the remaining 28 candidates who did not have seats allotted in Phase 1 or Phase 2: they will participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling as Open category candidates from the start. Their previous ST category status is revoked.
Candidates should note that moving to the Open category means they will compete against a much larger pool of applicants. Their chances of getting a seat depend on their NEET rank relative to other Open category candidates and the availability of Open category seats in Phase 3.
- All 37 candidates are now Open category applicants only
- Nine candidates with cancelled seats can participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up as Open category
- 28 candidates without prior allotments will participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up as Open category
- ST category seats vacated by the nine are re-offered to eligible ST candidates in Phase 3
- Candidates compete based on NEET rank and merit in Open category pool
Migration and Reservation Eligibility: The Legal Basis
The decision to declare these candidates ineligible is grounded in multiple legal precedents and statutory provisions. Understanding this is important for candidates and parents to see why the decision was made.
The Supreme Court judgment in W.P. (Civil) No. 989 of 1989 (cited in the notice) established a foundational principle: when states are reorganized, individuals who migrate from one state to another do not automatically gain reservation benefits in the state of migration. They retain eligibility only in their state of origin. This principle has been upheld consistently in subsequent cases, including the Kukatikonda Jyothirmie vs. State of Telangana (2024) case cited in the notice.
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 (Section 95) provided a ten-year transition period (from 1 June 2014 to 1 June 2024) during which existing admission quotas would continue in successor states (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh). However, this transition period has now expired. Individuals who migrated to Telangana prior to its formation are no longer eligible to claim ST reservation in Telangana after 1 June 2024.
The Telangana High Court, in its common order dated 10 February 2025 in multiple writ petitions (Nos. 1255, 1359, 2493, 2501, 2506, 2507 of 2025), reinforced this principle: migrants from Andhra Pradesh to Telangana prior to state formation are not entitled to derive benefits from the State of Telangana. Their reservation eligibility remains tied to their state of origin.
- Supreme Court ruling (W.P. Civil No. 989/1989): migrants entitled to reservation only in state of origin
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 (Section 95): ten-year transition period ended 1 June 2024
- Kukatikonda Jyothirmie vs. State of Telangana (2024): migrants do not gain reservation in state of migration
- Telangana High Court order (10 February 2025): migrants from AP prior to Telangana formation ineligible for Telangana ST reservation
- Reservation eligibility remains tied to residual state (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra)
Specific Reasons for Ineligibility: Annexure Details
The notice includes two detailed annexures (Annexure-1 and Annexure-2) that list the specific reasons why each of the 37 candidates is ineligible. These annexures provide the candidate's name, their ST certificate details (certificate number and issue date), the state they migrated from, the year of migration, and the legal basis for ineligibility.
Annexure-1 covers 13 candidates who migrated from Karnataka and Maharashtra. For example, Samiksha Khankure obtained a Lambadis ST Certificate from Tahsildar, Bandlaguda Mandal, Hyderabad District, but her family migrated from Basava Kalyana, Karnataka State to Telangana. Similarly, Rathod Ajay Naik's family migrated from Santhur, Bidar District, Karnataka State.
Annexure-2 covers candidates who migrated from Andhra Pradesh to Telangana. For instance, Gunjula Harshitha's family migrated from Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh in 1994. Erukula Hemadri's family migrated from Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh in 2005. The annexure notes that Section 95 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 ensures equal opportunities for quality higher education for ten years, but this period ended on 1 June 2024.
Each entry in the annexures cites the specific Supreme Court judgment or High Court order that makes the candidate ineligible. This ensures transparency and allows candidates to understand the exact legal reasoning behind the decision.
- Annexure-1: 13 candidates who migrated from Karnataka and Maharashtra
- Annexure-2: 24 candidates who migrated from Andhra Pradesh
- Each entry includes ST certificate number, issue date, and migration details
- Legal basis cited for each candidate (Supreme Court or High Court judgment)
- Migration years range from 1970 to 2019
Important Dates and Phases
This notice was issued on 26 September 2026. The cancellation of seats and reclassification of candidates is effective immediately.
Phase 1 and Phase 2 of counselling have already concluded, and the nine candidates with cancelled seats were allotted during these phases. Those allotments are now void.
Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling is the next phase where these 37 candidates (and the nine with cancelled seats) will be eligible to participate as Open category candidates. The exact dates for Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling have not been specified in this notice, but candidates should monitor the KNRUHS website for announcements.
The notice references an earlier notice dated 3 September 2026 regarding conditional admission under ST category. That notice had permitted conditional admission pending verification of social status by District Collectors. The current notice supersedes that decision for these 37 candidates.
- Notice issued: 26 September 2026
- Effective date: Immediate (26 September 2026)
- Phase 1 and Phase 2: Already concluded
- Phase 3/Mop-Up: Upcoming (dates to be announced by KNRUHS)
- Previous notice (3 September 2026): Superseded for these 37 candidates
What Candidates Must Do Immediately
If your name appears on the list of 37 candidates, you must take immediate action. First, verify that your name, NEET roll number, and NEET rank match the list provided in the notice. Cross-check with the official KNRUHS website.
If you are one of the nine candidates with a cancelled seat allotment, do not report to the college. Your conditional allotment is void. Contact the college and KNRUHS to confirm the cancellation and understand your next steps.
Prepare for Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling as an Open category candidate. This means you will compete against all Open category applicants, not just ST candidates. Review the Open category cutoff ranks from Phase 1 and Phase 2 to understand your chances of getting a seat.
Monitor the KNRUHS website (www.knruhs.telangana.gov.in) regularly for announcements about Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling dates, registration, and document submission deadlines. Do not miss any deadlines.
If you believe the decision is incorrect or if you have evidence that you are genuinely eligible for ST category, you may file an appeal or petition with KNRUHS or the Telangana High Court. However, this must be done quickly, as counselling phases move rapidly.
- ✅ Verify your name on the list of 37 candidates
- ✅ If allotted in Phase 1/2, confirm seat cancellation with college and KNRUHS
- ✅ Do not report to the college if your seat is cancelled
- ✅ Prepare for Phase 3/Mop-Up as Open category candidate
- ✅ Monitor KNRUHS website for Phase 3 dates and deadlines
- ⚠️ If you believe the decision is wrong, file an appeal immediately
Impact on Telangana ST Quota and Phase 3 Counselling
The cancellation of nine MBBS seats from the ST quota has a direct impact on Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling. These nine seats will now be available for eligible ST candidates who were not allotted in Phase 1 or Phase 2. This increases the number of ST seats available in Phase 3.
The colleges where these nine seats were allotted are: Government Medical College Vikarabad, RVM Institute of Medical Sciences Siddipet, ESIC Medical College Hyderabad, Osmania Medical College Hyderabad (2 seats), Raja Rajeshwari Medical College Patancheru, Government Medical College Karimnagar, and TRR Institute of Medical Sciences Patancheru.
Eligible ST candidates who did not get seats in Phase 1 or Phase 2 should be aware that these nine seats will be available in Phase 3. Their chances of getting a seat may improve, depending on their NEET rank and the merit-based allocation process.
The reclassification of 37 candidates to Open category also means that the Open category pool in Phase 3 will include these 37 candidates. This may increase competition in the Open category, but the exact impact depends on how many Open category seats are available in Phase 3.
- Nine ST seats cancelled and re-offered in Phase 3/Mop-Up
- Colleges affected: GMC Vikarabad, RVM Siddipet, ESIC Hyderabad, Osmania Hyderabad, Raja Rajeshwari Patancheru, GMC Karimnagar, TRR Patancheru
- Eligible ST candidates have better chances in Phase 3
- 37 candidates now compete in Open category pool
- Open category competition may increase in Phase 3
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
If my name is on the list of 37 candidates, does this mean I am rejected from MBBS/BDS admission?
No, you are not rejected. Your ST category status is revoked, and you are reclassified as an Open category candidate. You remain eligible to compete for MBBS/BDS seats in the Open category based on your NEET rank and merit. You will participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling as an Open category applicant.
I was allotted a seat in Phase 1 or Phase 2 under ST category. What happens to my seat now?
Your seat allotment is cancelled effective immediately. You must not report to the college. Contact KNRUHS and the college to confirm the cancellation. You are eligible to participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling as an Open category candidate, and you may be allotted a different seat based on your merit and availability in the Open category pool.
Why am I declared ineligible for ST category if I have an ST certificate?
Having an ST certificate is not sufficient. You must also meet the residency and migration criteria. If you or your family migrated to Telangana from another state (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, or Maharashtra) before or after Telangana's formation in 2014, you are not eligible for Telangana ST reservation. Your reservation eligibility remains tied to your state of origin. This is based on Supreme Court rulings and the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.
My family migrated to Telangana in 2010 from Andhra Pradesh. Why am I ineligible now when I was eligible before?
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 provided a ten-year transition period (1 June 2014 to 1 June 2024) during which migrants could claim ST reservation in Telangana. This period has now expired. After 1 June 2024, migrants from Andhra Pradesh (or other states) are no longer eligible for Telangana ST reservation. Your eligibility is now tied to Andhra Pradesh, your state of origin.
Can I appeal this decision or file a petition against the reclassification?
Yes, you can file an appeal with KNRUHS or petition the Telangana High Court if you believe the decision is incorrect. However, you must act quickly, as counselling phases move rapidly. Consult a legal advisor and gather evidence of your eligibility before filing an appeal. The notice does not specify an appeal deadline, so contact KNRUHS immediately for the procedure.
What is the difference between my chances in ST category versus Open category?
In ST category, you compete against only ST candidates, and the cutoff rank is typically higher (lower rank number = better chance). In Open category, you compete against all candidates, and the cutoff rank is usually much lower (higher rank number = lower chance). Your chances of getting a seat in Open category depend on your NEET rank relative to other Open category applicants. If your rank is not competitive in the Open category, you may not get a seat.
Will the nine cancelled seats be re-offered to other ST candidates in Phase 3?
Yes. The nine MBBS seats that were allotted to the ineligible candidates are now treated as vacant and will be re-offered in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling to eligible ST candidates based on merit and availability. This ensures that ST seats go to genuinely eligible candidates.
When will Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling happen? What are the dates?
The notice does not specify the dates for Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling. You must monitor the KNRUHS website (www.knruhs.telangana.gov.in) regularly for announcements. Phase 3 typically follows Phase 2 after a gap of a few days, but exact dates will be announced by KNRUHS.
I am one of the 37 candidates. Can I still get an MBBS seat in Phase 3?
Yes, you can get an MBBS seat in Phase 3 if your NEET rank is competitive in the Open category and if Open category seats are available. Your chances depend on your rank, the number of Open category seats available, and the ranks of other Open category applicants. You should review the Open category cutoff ranks from Phase 1 and Phase 2 to assess your chances.
What if I have evidence that my family did not migrate and that I am genuinely eligible for ST category?
If you have documentary evidence (such as property records, school certificates, or residence proofs) showing that your family has been in Telangana since before 2014 or that you are a permanent resident of Telangana, you can file an appeal with KNRUHS or petition the Telangana High Court. Attach all supporting documents and act quickly. The Tribal Welfare Department's decision is based on their investigation, but you have the right to challenge it if you have evidence.
Will my NEET rank change? Do I need to take NEET again?
No, your NEET rank will not change, and you do not need to take NEET again. Your NEET rank is fixed based on your performance in the NEET UG 2026 exam. Only your category status (from ST to Open) has changed. You will use the same NEET rank to compete in the Open category in Phase 3.
If I don't get a seat in Phase 3, can I participate in Mop-Up counselling?
Yes, if seats remain vacant after Phase 3, Mop-Up counselling will be conducted. You can participate in Mop-Up as well. However, Mop-Up typically has very few seats, so it is not guaranteed that you will get a seat. Your best chance is in Phase 3, so prepare well for that.
If your name appears on the list of 37 candidates, verify it immediately on the KNRUHS website and take action. If you had a seat allotted in Phase 1 or Phase 2, do not report to the college—your allotment is cancelled. Prepare to participate in Phase 3/Mop-Up counselling as an Open category candidate. Monitor the KNRUHS website (www.knruhs.telangana.gov.in) for Phase 3 dates and deadlines. If you believe the decision is incorrect, file an appeal with KNRUHS or the Telangana High Court immediately. Do not delay—counselling phases move quickly, and missing deadlines can cost you your seat.
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