On September 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of India delivered a crucial ruling that reaffirmed the validity of the Telangana MBBS and Dental Colleges Admission Rules, 2017 (amended in 2024). This judgment has far-reaching implications for MBBS and BDS aspirants in the state, particularly those aiming to secure admission under the local candidate quota.
What the Rule Says
As per the amended admission rules, a student must have studied in Telangana for at least four consecutive years up to Class 12 in order to be considered a local candidate. This ensures that candidates who have genuinely pursued their education within the state are given priority during the admission process.
Supreme Court Reverses High Court’s Order
The ruling came after the Telangana High Court had earlier relaxed the domicile requirement for permanent residents of Telangana. The High Court had argued that students should not be denied admission merely because they had studied or lived outside the state for some time.
However, the Supreme Court disagreed and set aside this decision. The apex court observed that such relaxation would create an “anomalous situation” and could render the state’s reservation system unworkable.
Why the Rule Matters
The Supreme Court, referring to Article 371D of the Constitution, emphasized that the objective of domicile rules is to ensure preferential admission for genuine local candidates. According to the judgment, both residence and continuous education within the state form the true test of local status.
Exceptions to the Rule
Importantly, the court also acknowledged special circumstances where students studying outside Telangana can still be considered locals. These exceptions include children of:
- Telangana government employees posted outside the state
- All India Service officers of the Telangana cadre
- Defence and paramilitary personnel
- Employees of state government corporations serving outside Telangana
Key Takeaway
The verdict reinforces the principle that local students who have studied their education in Telangana deserve priority in admissions to MBBS and dental colleges. At the same time, it provides flexibility for families of government and defence employees who may be required to live outside the state.
This ruling will shape admission processes for years to come, offering clarity to students, parents, and educational institutions across Telangana.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the 4-year local study rule ensures that genuine Telangana students get priority in MBBS and BDS admissions under Article 371D. With limited exceptions for government and defence families, the verdict protects local reservations while providing clarity for future MBBS admissions.
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