Parents Queuing Up for KGBV Seats Across AP

KURNOOL: In a striking contrast to teachers of government schools going door to door to get children admitted into their institutions, parents are lining up at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) across Andhra Pradesh for getting their daughters admitted into these Government of India-run residential schools.

AP has a total of 352 KGBV schools, each offering 40 seats each from Class VI onwards, taking the total intake capacity to 14,080. Admissions are being conducted in multiple phases through an online process.

According to officials, “In the first phase, 10,317 seats had been filled; followed by another 2,373 in the second phase. 688 applications are currently under processing.”

The growing popularity of KGBVs is largely attributed to improved hostel facilities, quality food, and better teaching standards. Parents, particularly from economically weaker sections, are increasingly opting for these residential schools for their daughters.

“I came to submit a petition to the collector as my daughter did not get a seat. We heard that these schools provide good education and facilities,” said D. Prabhakar, a resident of Aspari mandal in Kurnool district, during a public grievance programme.

Admissions in KGBVs are prioritised for orphans, semi-orphans, children with a single parent, and school dropouts, followed by students from SC and ST communities. The selection process is conducted online, with final approvals issued from the state office in Vijayawada after the verification of documents.

Kurnool Samagra Shiksha project officer Dr. N.B. Lokaraju said, “The demand has been exceptionally high this year. Almost all seats in Kurnool district have been filled. Only if a student withdraws will another be accommodated.”

Anantapur district, which has the highest number of KGBV schools at 32, recorded 1,089 admissions in the first phase and 154 in the second phase. Similarly, districts such as Nandyal with 27 schools and Kurnool with 26 schools have nearly completed admissions. However, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts still have around 15 per cent of seats vacant.

Officials attribute the surge in demand to the impressive Class X results recorded by KGBV students in the previous academic year (2025–26), which has significantly boosted confidence among parents.

“At a time when enrolments in elementary and high schools are facing challenges, KGBVs are attracting students due to their quality education, discipline, and residential facilities,” observed retired government lecturer M. Srinivasulu Naidu.

With demand continuing to rise, officials expect even greater competition for seats in the coming academic years.