Hyderabad: The Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TGBIE), which has overseen intermediate education for over five decades, may soon become history as the State government is actively considering its merger with the School Education department.
A team of senior bureaucrats from the Education department, along with State’s top legal experts, are presently studying School Education and Telangana Board of Intermediate Education Acts, staffing pattern and service rules among others. They will likely draft amendments to Telangana Intermediate Education Act, 1971 for the proposed merger.
As the academic year 2026-27 is commencing on June 1 and the Legislative Assembly is not in session, the State government has drawn up plans to issue an ordinance merging the TG BIE with the School Education department. The amendments are likely to be made in the Assembly’s monsoon session.
Merger has gained significance after the TG BIE that issued an admission schedule on May 4 for the academic year 2026-27, kept it in abeyance on May 5. The board instructed junior colleges not to make admissions until further orders, citing proposed reforms that are in the making. It informed that a revised schedule will be issued in due course.
This abrupt cancellation of the schedule within a day has led to confusion and raised several doubts about the future of the board. It also created uncertainty among students and parents as the academic year is scheduled to begin on June 1.
Meanwhile, government junior lecturers have objected to the proposed plan, stating that it will destroy the intermediate education system. Inter Vidya JAC Chairman Dr. P Madhusudhan Reddy termed the merger as a ‘Tughlaq-style’ move.
“The idea of abolishing the Board is a wrong move. If this decision is not withdrawn immediately, we will launch protests across the State,” he warned.
Telangana Gazetted Junior Lecturers Association secretary K Suresh said abruptly cancelling the intermediate admission schedule has raised several doubts among lecturers, parents and students.
“The government should clarify its stand on this issue. Just like in previous years, an admission schedule should be announced and enrolment should continue. The government should consult all stakeholders and take opinions before making any decision,” he said.