284 SR vacancies in AP govt medical colleges, AIQ PG doctors flag exclusion

Vijayawada: Through a recent notice, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) Andhra Pradesh, has invited online applications from eligible postgraduate doctors for recruitment to Senior Resident posts in Broad Specialties in government medical colleges and hospitals across the state.

The notification issued on 23.3.2026 informed a total of 284 vacancies in 22 broad specialties and clarified that the number of posts is provisional and may increase or decrease.

However, the notification has drawn criticism over the exclusion of All India quota candidates. Doctors who completed their postgraduate studies under the All India quota have urged the state government to include them in the eligibility criteria.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that while postgraduate students under the State Quota are mandatorily required to serve in government medical colleges, confusion emerged among several PG students admitted under the All India Quota (AIQ) in Andhra Pradesh who have completed their courses and are unsure whether they are eligible for Senior Residency appointments in government medical colleges, as they have not signed any service bond.

At present, PG students admitted under the State Quota sign a mandatory bond at the time of admission. As per the bond, they must serve for at least one year in government hospitals after completing their course. However, AIQ candidates are not required to sign such a bond. Because of this, authorities are unsure whether they can appoint AIQ graduates as Senior Residents.

In this regard, the students had earlier submitted a representation to college principals seeking inclusion of AIQ candidates in SR appointments. However, the principals of government colleges are also waiting for clear directions from the Director of Medical Education (DME) on whether AIQ candidates can be appointed as Senior Residents.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a postgraduate doctor said, "We studied through the All India quota but are now being denied the opportunity for Senior Residency in the state."

In response, Kurnool Medical College Principal Dr Chitti Narasamma said, "The issue would be taken up with the authorities. We will write to the DME seeking clarity on vacancies and details of candidates who left after securing super-speciality seats."

The number of vacancies across various specialties include Anatomy with 29 vacancies, Physiology with 22 vacancies, Biochemistry with 33, Pharmacology with 28, Pathology with 32, Microbiology with 30, Forensic Medicine with 18, Community Medicine with 24, General Medicine with 4, Paediatrics with 2 vacancies, Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy (DVL) with 1, Psychiatry with 1 vacancies, Respiratory Medicine has zero vacancies, General Surgery with 4, Orthopaedics with 2, ENT with 1 vacancies, Ophthalmology with 1, Obstetrics and Gynaecology with 2 vacancies, Anaesthesiology with 3, Radio-diagnosis with 4, Emergency Medicine with 34, and Radiation Oncology with 9 vacancies.

Who can apply?

As per the notification, candidates must have an MD/MS degree in the relevant speciality or a DNB degree in Broad Specialties granted by a Medical Institution with an attached Hospital or in a Hospital with a strength of 500 or more beds granted by the National Board of Examination are only eligible as per Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025. The applicants must also be registered with the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council.

The age limit is up to 44 years for clinical specialties and 49 years as of the date of notification. Preference will be given to local candidates of Andhra Pradesh. Non-local candidates with AP Medical Council registration will be considered only if local candidates are not available.

"Local Candidature: -A candidate studied at least 4 years from 4th to 10th in AP. Incase of study of 4th to 10th in Telangana and migrated to AP after bifurcation, then certificate from the revenue authorities to that effect as per G.O.Ms.No.132 & 133 GA (SPF&MC) Dept. 13.06.2016 (proof of local candidate)," mentioned the notification. 

Selected candidates will receive a monthly remuneration of Rs 80,500. The Senior Resident post is a tenure-based position for one year, and selected candidates must complete the full duration.

Regarding the vacancies, some doctors pointed out that several candidates who secured super-speciality seats have left their Senior Residency midway, leading to vacancies. They also raised concern over the posting pattern, stating that being rotated between general and area hospitals limits clinical exposure and suggested allowing the full tenure to be completed in major teaching hospitals.

The notification also informed about the application procedure and selection process for the candidates. 

To know the requirements, click on the notice link below:

Also read- Andhra doctors seek clarity on SR appointments