VIJAYAWADA: In a first-of-its-kind reform aimed at safeguarding students’ academic and career prospects, the Andhra Pradesh health, medical and family welfare department has decided to conduct supplementary examinations for paramedical students for the first time in the State.

Until now, students enrolled in two-year paramedical diploma courses—such as Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician (DMLT), ECG Technician, Cardiology and other allied health programmes—who failed annual examinations were required to wait an entire year to reappear with the next batch. This practice prolonged their academic progress and adversely affected employment opportunities.

Acting on the directions of Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, the department has introduced the supplementary examination system from the 2025–26 academic year. As per the notification, applications will be accepted until January 5, and around 5,000 students are expected to benefit.

The supplementary examinations will be held on February 2, 3 and 4, according to an official statement issued by the Secretary of the Allied and Health Care Professions Council (Paramedical).

The decision forms part of wider reforms to streamline the examination calendar. Andhra Pradesh offers 16 paramedical courses, with nearly 20,000 students gaining admission each year based on Intermediate BiPC or MPC qualifications. In the past, annual examinations scheduled for July were often delayed until October–January, causing uncertainty and hardship for students.

Putting an end to this practice, the department conducted regular examinations on schedule in July last year, declared results in October, and has now aligned the supplementary examination process accordingly.

Health minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the twin reforms—timely conduct of regular examinations and the introduction of supplementary tests—would significantly reduce academic delays, ease student stress and improve employability prospects in the healthcare sector.