In a significant trend, the majority of intermediate-level students in the Telangana state are choosing private colleges over government institutions. According to data released by the Intermediate Board, 6.23 lakh students have enrolled in private colleges this year, while only 3.15 lakh students have opted for government colleges and Gurukuls. This indicates that over 70% of the total 9.4 lakh students are attending private institutions, leaving less than 30% in state-run establishments.
Interestingly, while the state boasts a higher number of government colleges compared to private ones, the latter continue to attract more students. Private colleges are around 500 fewer in number than government institutions, yet they record significantly higher admissions.
The preference for private colleges is largely attributed to their focus on residential facilities and specialised coaching for competitive exams such as JEE, NEET, and EAMCET. Many parents and students consider these factors crucial for academic success, further solidifying the popularity of private institutions.
This trend highlights the challenges faced by government colleges in attracting students.