Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh Plans AI-Focused Upgrade of Residential Schools
Andhra Pradesh plans to improve its residential schools in several ways.
Education Minister Nara Lokesh said students should learn about artificial intelligence.
Schools will also receive better technology, buildings, sports facilities and vocational courses.
Ten schools will be developed as Centres of Excellence.
Six residential schools will become junior colleges.
An academy for IIT-JEE and NEET preparation will start at a junior college in Nimmakuru.
Employees will be allowed to work until age 62 instead of 60.
Intermediate exam staff will receive higher payments, and old certificates will be digitised and linked using blockchain technology.
Education Minister Nara Lokesh called for international standards, AI skilling and modern infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh residential schools.
The board approved 10 residential schools as Centres of Excellence and an IIT-JEE/NEET Academy at APR Junior College, Nimmakuru.
Six residential schools will be upgraded into junior colleges, while Bhupathipalem may become an education and sports hub.
Computer laboratories, AI training and industry-aligned vocational courses will become mandatory or be introduced across relevant institutions.
APREIS employees’ retirement age was raised to 62, while Intermediate examination remuneration increased by up to 25 percent.
- Who
- Education Minister Nara Lokesh, the APREIS board and Andhra Pradesh education officials.
- What
- They approved upgrades involving AI training, Centres of Excellence, junior colleges, infrastructure and examination reforms.
- When
- The decisions were made at meetings held on Thursday; several changes are planned from the next academic year or this year.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh residential institutions, including schools in Tadikonda, Kodigenahalli, Nimmakuru and Bhupathipalem.
- Why
- To prepare students for a technology-driven world and align education with modern infrastructure, sports and local industry needs.
- Centres of Excellence
- Ten AP residential schools were approved for development as Centres of Excellence.
- Existing centres
- Tadikonda and Kodigenahalli schools are already functioning as Centres of Excellence.
- New academy
- An IIT-JEE/NEET Academy was approved for APR Junior College in Nimmakuru from the next academic year.
- Junior college upgrades
- Six residential schools will be upgraded into junior colleges.
- AI and computer training
- Computer laboratories and AI skilling will be mandatory in APR junior colleges.
- Employee retirement age
- The retirement age for APREIS and Intermediate board employees was raised from 60 to 62 years.
- Intermediate examinations
- Remuneration for examination staff may increase by up to 25 percent, and students will receive 32-page theory-exam answer booklets.