Andhra Pradesh offers a unique ‘Category-based’ fee structure that allows high-performing students to access Private Medical Colleges at Government rates (₹15,000/year). Unlike most states where private medical seats cost upwards of ₹15 Lakhs, AP’s system is a massive financial advantage for merit students.
As of the 2026 academic session, the state has expanded its capacity to 35+ functional medical colleges, bolstering the seat matrix with the new “Phase-2” Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in districts like Paderu and Madanapalle. This guide decodes the Article 371D Regional Quota, the mandatory Rural Service Bond, and the specific cutoffs you need to target for the Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (YSRUHS) counseling.
Important Points for Andhra Pradesh
- 1. Extensive Medical Infrastructure: There are over 35+ medical colleges in AP, including newly inaugurated Phase-2 Government colleges.
- 2. Duration: The MBBS course is 4.5 years, along with a mandatory one-year rotational internship.
- 3. Admission Basis: Admission is made strictly through NEET UG rank.
- 4. Counseling Authority: Conducted by Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (formerly NTRUHS), headquartered in Vijayawada.
- 5. Regulation: The university regulates and develops medical education in Andhra Pradesh.
- 6. Financial Aid: The state provides fee reimbursement schemes (e.g., Post Metric Scholarship / Vidya Deevena) for eligible aspirants, subject to current government policies.
- 7. Top Institutes: Top medical colleges include AIIMS Mangalagiri, Andhra Medical College Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool Medical College.
- 8. Policy Implementation: DME (Directorate of Medical Education) coordinates and implements medical education policies.
- 9. Accreditation: The NMC (National Medical Commission) accredits medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
- 10. Facilities: Colleges offer students hostels, libraries, and clinical training facilities.
Highlight Tables
| No. Of Colleges | 35+ (Govt & Private) |
| Course Details | MBBS, MD, MS, Super Specialty |
| Eligibility Criteria | Students must have passed 10+2 with PCB and qualified NEET. |
| Entrance exam | NEET UG (Mandatory) |
| Fee Structure | Govt: ₹15k | Pvt (A): ₹15k | Pvt (B): ₹12L | Pvt (C): ₹30L+ |
| Admission Authority | Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (YSRUHS) |
Eligibility Criteria: The “Local Status” Rule
To be eligible for MBBS in AP (2026), a candidate must be an Indian Citizen/OCI, have passed 10+2 with PCB (min. 50%), and hold a valid NEET UG 2026 rank. Crucially, they must satisfy the ‘Local Status’ requirement under Article 371D to claim the 85% state quota.
- Candidates must be an Indian Citizen or OCI cardholder.
- They must have passed class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognized board.
- Students must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks (40% for reserved categories).
- They must have appeared and qualified for the NEET exam with the required cutoff score.
Admission Process: Regional Quotas & Web Options
Aspirants need to clear the NEET exam to get into the best medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Admission is strictly based on the merit list prepared using NEET UG scores, followed by counseling conducted by Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences.
There are no Group Discussions or Personal Interviews for MBBS admission in India. Candidates must register on the YSRUHS portal, complete certificate verification, and exercise web options to secure a seat.
Pro Tip: Strategic Insight on “Web Options”
In the 2024 counseling cycle, I witnessed several meritorious students lose their seats simply because they ‘Saved’ their web options but forgot to click ‘Freeze’. Unlike All India Counseling, the AP system does not always auto-lock your choices. Always print your saved options as proof and double-check the ‘Freeze’ status before the deadline.
Crucial: Local vs. Non-Local Status (Article 371D)
Andhra Pradesh admissions are governed by Article 371D, which divides the state into two regions:
- AU Region (Andhra University): Covering districts like Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East/West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam.
- SVU Region (Sri Venkateswara University): Covering districts like Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur, and Kurnool.
85% of seats in each college are reserved for local candidates of that specific region. Only 15% are unreserved.
Top 10 Medical Colleges in Andhra Pradesh 2025-26
1. AIIMS Mangalagiri
Founded in 2018, All India Institute of Medical Sciences is a medical research and higher education institute. The college is recognized by the MHFW Government of India and is approved by the NMC. The institute offers UG and PG courses such as MD, MS, MBBS, and B.Sc Nursing in various specializations.
Admission to this college is based on NEET entrance exams (conducted via MCC, not state counseling). Besides, the campus has modern facilities such as Wi-Fi, Hostel, Central Library, Laboratories, Cafeteria, and many more. For further details, click to visit AIIMS Mangalagiri Official Site.
2. KIMS Amalapuram
This is a private college situated at Amalapuram in AP. The university is affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences and recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Moreover, it offers 15 postgraduate, MBBS, and Master of Surgery degree courses.
The faculty at this institute are highly experienced. It has many modern facilities such as Lecture Halls, an Auditorium, a Library, Museums, a Food Court, Medical, etc. Click to view KIMS Amalapuram Cutoff & Fees.
3. KMC Kurnool
It is one of India’s oldest medical schools, established in 1956. It was established under the guidance of Sri T.T. Krishnamachari. The university is approved by the NMC and is affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. It offers courses in the medical field, such as MS, MD, MBBS, and many more.
Admission is based on scores secured by the students in the NEET-UG and NEET-PG exams. The faculty at this college is highly experienced in their respective domains. The campus is equipped with modern facilities such as laboratories and sports facilities. For more details about Kurnool Medical College, click here to visit the official website.
4. GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry
GSL Medical College is a premier private medical institution established in 2002. It is recognized by the NMC and affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. The college is known for its state-of-the-art simulation lab and offers UG (MBBS) and PG (MD/MS) courses.
Admission to these courses depends on the NEET UG and NEET PG entrance exams. The institute offers students various modern facilities, including an auditorium, cafeteria, hostel, and huge clinical exposure. Visit the official website for more information regarding this college.
5. Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam
AMC is the oldest medical college in Andhra Pradesh, established in 1923. It is recognized by the NMC and affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. The university offers various UG, PG, Diploma, and Super-Speciality courses across several domains. Students admitted to this institute are based on NEET and NEET-PG exams.
The college has highly esteemed faculty members. Furthermore, the campus has modern facilities such as medical, library, laboratories, research centers, hostel, etc. For further information about this institute, click here to view AMC Visakhapatnam details.
6. Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa
FIMS is a privately owned medical college established in 2010. It was developed under the aegis of the Mohommadiya Educational Society. Simply said, it is one of the premier medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh. The institute offers undergraduate programs and PG courses.
Admission to this college is made through the NEET entrance exams. The college curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen fields. The college campus has modern facilities. Click here to check FIMS Kadapa Admission Process.
7. Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur
KMCH is a private medical college established in 1997. It is affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada. However, the university offers UG, PG, and Paramedical courses. It offers MBBS and B.Sc. Nursing at the UG level and MS and MD courses at the postgraduate level.
Admission to these courses is based on the performance of the applicants in the NEET UG and NEET PG exams. It provides various facilities to meet the needs of the candidates. Click here for KMCH Guntur Fees & Seat Matrix.
8. NRI Medical College, Chinakakani
It is a private medical college established in 2003. The institute is approved by the NMC and is affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. It offers an MBBS course at the UG level, and admission to this course is based on the NEET exam.
The college also offers various MS, MD, and PG Diploma courses. Admission to these courses is made on NEET-PG entrance exams. The college provides affordable health care to needy people with state-of-the-art and modern medical equipment. For more details, click here to visit NRI Medical College Website.
9. Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati
Established in 1960, SVMC is a prestigious government medical college located at the foothills of Tirumala. It is affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. The college is attached to the SVRR Government General Hospital, providing massive clinical exposure.
It offers UG (MBBS), PG, and Super Specialty courses. Admission to these courses is based on the marks obtained by the applicants in the NEET entrance exams. Click here for more information.
10. Great Eastern Medical School (GEMS), Srikakulam
Established in 2010, Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital is a renowned private institution in the Srikakulam district. It is affiliated with Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences and recognized by the NMC. GEMS is known for its excellent infrastructure and 750+ bedded hospital, serving the North Coastal Andhra region.
The college offers MBBS and Post-Graduate courses. The campus features modern lecture halls, museums, and a central library. Click here to view GEMS Srikakulam Admission Details.
Medical Colleges in Andhra Pradesh: Internships & Career
After completing the 4.5-year MBBS course, students must undertake a mandatory 1-year rotational internship at the affiliated teaching hospital. This internship provides hands-on experience in various departments like Surgery, Medicine, and Pediatrics.
Warning: Compulsory Rural Service Bond
Andhra Pradesh mandates a 1-year Compulsory Rural Service for MBBS graduates. Candidates who fail to serve this period are liable to pay a penalty (typically around ₹20-30 Lakhs, subject to government updates). Ensure you read the bond conditions in the admission brochure carefully.
NIRF Rankings 2024-25 (State Focus)
| Rank (State) | College Name |
| 1 | AIIMS Mangalagiri |
| 2 | Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam |
| 3 | Narayana Medical College, Nellore |
| 4 | Guntur Medical College |
| 5 | Kurnool Medical College |
Category-Wise Fee Structure (A, B, and C Categories)
Andhra Pradesh follows a unique fee structure for Private Medical Colleges, divided into three categories. This allows students with high merit to study at very low costs even in private institutes.
Note: Deemed Universities (like GITAM, KIMS Deemed) have a different fee structure and conduct counseling via MCC (DGHS), separate from the state counseling below.
| Category | Quota Type | Approx. Annual Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Convenor Quota (Govt Subsidized) | ₹15,000 – ₹16,500 |
| Category B | Management Quota | ₹12,00,000 – ₹13,20,000 |
| Category C | NRI / Institutional Quota | ₹30,00,000 – ₹36,00,000 |
Reality Check on Fees
While the official tuition for Category-B is ~₹12 Lakhs, parents must budget for ‘Miscellaneous Fees.’ Based on fee receipts from colleges like GSL and NRI last year, expect an additional ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 Lakhs annually for hostel, mess, and mandatory ‘lab records’ charges.
List of NEW Government Medical Colleges (Phase 1 & 2)
To boost healthcare, the AP government has inaugurated several new medical colleges in phases. These “Phase 2” institutions are excellent options for students as the cutoff is often lower than established colleges.
- GMC Paderu (New Phase 2)
- GMC Markapuram (New Phase 2)
- GMC Madanapalle (New Phase 2)
- GMC Pulivendula (New Phase 2)
- GMC Adoni (New Phase 2)
- GMC Vizianagaram (Phase 1)
Final Verdict: Navigating the 2026 Admission Cycle
Securing a medical seat in Andhra Pradesh is not just about your NEET score; it is about smart counseling strategy. The addition of the Phase-2 GMCs has slightly lowered the cutoff for the “AU Region,” creating a new window of opportunity for students in the 530-550 mark range.
Your Next Steps:
- Check Your Region: Determine if you fall under AU or SVU region immediately, as this dictates 85% of your seat chances.
- Budget for ‘Hidden’ Costs: If aiming for Category B, ensure your finances cover the extra ₹2L miscellaneous expenses.
- Watch the YSRUHS Portal: Registration windows are short. Miss the verification, and you are out of the race.
Bookmark this page for live updates on the 2026 Counseling Schedule.
FAQs
Which is the number 1 medical college in Andhra Pradesh?
AIIMS Mangalagiri and Andhra Medical College (Visakhapatnam) are considered the top medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
What is the fee for Private Medical Colleges in AP?
Fees depend on the category. Category A (Convenor) is approx. ₹15,000/year, while Category B (Management) is approx. ₹12-13 Lakhs/year.
What is the total no of MBBS seats in AP?
As of 2026, there are over 5,500+ MBBS seats available across Govt and Private colleges in AP.
Which private medical college is best for AP?
Narayana Medical College Nellore, GSL Medical College Rajahmundry, and NRI Medical College Chinakakani are among the best private medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.
