Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a large-scale initiative to offer free coaching to over one lakh students preparing for national-level entrance exams such as JEE and NEET.

This scheme will cover MPC and BiPC students currently enrolled in the state’s 1,355 government junior colleges. As part of the programme, students will receive high-quality study material and structured coaching support.

This is the first time ever that such a large-scale effort has been made in the state’s education system to help students from economically weaker backgrounds compete at the national level, the government said.

It termed the initiative historic under the leadership of Education Minister Nara Lokesh, who is the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The study resources covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics have been prepared over six months by a panel of subject experts drawn from both government and private institutions.

To make sure students benefit fully from this support, the government has also extended college timings from 9.30 am - 4.00 pm to 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.

Each student is receiving at least two dedicated hours of exam-oriented coaching daily. Junior Lecturers have undergone special training to deliver this new content with impact.

Along with free coaching material, the government has also introduced weekly tests, performance reviews, and regular progress tracking -- best practices typically found in top private institutions -- now being implemented in government colleges.

“This initiative is about giving every student, no matter where they come from, a fair chance to succeed,” said Lokesh.

“We are creating an environment where every child in Andhra Pradesh can dream big and prepare confidently for JEE, NEET, and other national-level exams,” he said.

According to the minister, this step will benefit over one lakh students in 1,355 junior colleges in the government sector and is aimed at bridging the gap between private and government education.

"Our government firmly believes that quality education must be a right, not a privilege. Our mission is simple: to give every student the confidence, tools, and platform to dream big and achieve bigger," added the minister.

IANS