Telangana NEET counseling delays: Is confusion over local and non-local reservation a reason?

Hyderabad: The prolonged delay in starting NEET counseling in Telangana has left over 12,000 students and their parents in a state of uncertainty.

Despite the completion of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) months ago, the state’s counseling process has yet to begin, leading to growing anxiety among those awaiting their medical and dental admissions.

Confusion Over Local and Non-Local Reservations

This year’s NEET process has faced multiple challenges, beginning with legal issues in the Supreme Court and further complicated by changes in Telangana’s reservation policies. The uncertainty surrounding local and non-local reservations has created confusion among students and parents, delaying the process even further.

Telangana has a total of 56 medical colleges and 14 dental colleges, with 11,582 medical and 1,290 dental seats available. However, students remain in limbo as the state government has not yet provided clarity on when the counseling will begin.

Parents Appeal for Swift Action

Parents have expressed their frustration with the delay, urging the state government to expedite the counseling process.

One concerned parent, Ramesh Kumar, said, “The prolonged delay is affecting our children's mental health. While most states have already completed their counseling sessions, we are still waiting. This is causing immense stress, especially for students who are unsure whether they will secure a seat.”

Many parents have echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the uncertainty is forcing students to reconsider alternative options, which could negatively impact their future academic plans.

Impact on Students' Mental Well-Being

Mental health experts have highlighted the psychological toll the delay is having on students.

Dr. Priya Sharma, a child psychologist, remarked, “The constant uncertainty is causing severe anxiety in students. Those on the borderline—students who may or may not secure a seat—are particularly vulnerable. The waiting period is affecting their decision-making, and they are losing valuable time to explore other opportunities.”

Experts Urge for Immediate Government Action

Experts in the education field have also weighed in on the issue, urging the state government to prioritize resolving the delay.

Dr. Sudhakar Rao, an educational consultant, stated, “The delay is disrupting the academic calendar. Many students who would have secured admission by now are still waiting, which is unfair to their academic progression. The government must act quickly to ensure that these students have a clear path forward.”

Concerns Over Future Academic Calendar

The delay in NEET counseling is not only affecting students' mental well-being but also raising concerns about the overall academic calendar. If counseling does not begin soon, there is a risk of further disruption in the medical education timeline.

Dr. Rao further explained, “The longer the delay, the more difficult it becomes to keep the academic year on track. The state government needs to take swift action to prevent further setbacks.”

Appeal for a Timely Resolution

Parents and students across Telangana are appealing to the state government to expedite the counseling process and provide clarity on the reservation policies. The delay is not only affecting students' academic futures but also their mental health.