Hyderabad: Telangana currently does not have a single Sainik School, putting its students at a significant disadvantage compared to neighbouring states that operate multiple such institutions. The issue has sparked concern among education advocates, particularly in the context of recent changes to local status norms post-state bifurcation.
With over 20,000 students from Telangana appearing for the Sainik School entrance examination, the lack of a school in their home state means they must rely on institutions in Andhra Pradesh or other regions. However, they are now being categorised as non-locals in Andhra Pradesh, unlike in the past when they were considered local candidates under a unified state framework.
This shift in classification has led to reduced admission opportunities for Telangana students, effectively placing them at a systemic disadvantage despite qualifying for entrance exams. Previously, candidates from Telangana were considered local for admission to schools in Andhra Pradesh. That privilege has now been rescinded.
Kranti Keen Foundation, speaking at Somajiguda Press Club, has called on the Telangana government to urgently intervene. The foundation urged authorities to establish Sainik Schools within the state and, in the interim, negotiate with the Andhra Pradesh administration to continue recognising Telangana candidates as local until new institutions are operational.
The foundation highlighted the growing demand for equitable access to military-oriented education and emphasised the need for immediate state-level action to safeguard student interests.
