Govt Junior College Admissions Rise 10% In Tirupati District
Government junior colleges in Tirupati district recorded a 10% rise in admissions, aided by free meals, study materials and improved teaching.
Admissions to government junior colleges in Tirupati district have increased by 10 per cent this academic year, with officials attributing the rise to free meals, learning material and steps to improve classroom teaching. A total of 2,910 students have joined government junior colleges in 2026-27, compared with 2,642 in the previous academic year, an increase of 268 students.
Regional inspection officer Dr D. Gopal Reddy said the support being provided to students had helped improve interest in government junior colleges. Free meals under the Dokka Seethamma Mid-Day Meals Scheme have been provided since January 2025, helping students stay in college during lunch hours and continue their studies, he said.
The department has also been providing free textbooks, notebooks and records under the Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyamitra Scheme since 2024-25. SANKALP study material is being given to average-performing students, along with remedial schedules and special study hours to help them improve their examination performance. Dr Reddy said these measures are improving both admissions and academic performance in government junior colleges.
Overall admissions to junior colleges and other institutions in the district have also increased this year. The number went up from 4,942 in 2025-26 to 5,442 in 2026-27, and admissions are still continuing. Of the total admissions recorded so far, 119 students joined APRJC colleges, 598 High School Plus institutions, 281 KGBVs, 72 MJPAP institutions, 555 Model Schools, 574 Social Welfare institutions and 333 Tribal Welfare institutions. The number of institutions increased from 74 to 76 during the same period.
Government Junior Lecturers Association president V. Ravi said improvements in infrastructure were also helping government junior colleges attract students. Interactive flat panel boards had been installed in classrooms to improve teaching, while students were being provided free textbooks, notebooks and study material.
Ravi said the meal scheme had also helped improve attendance as students did not have to leave the college premises for lunch. The additional classroom time, along with an improvement in pass percentages, was encouraging more students to opt for government junior colleges, he added.
