Hyderabad, Aug. 17 -- Telangana Model Schools, set up a decade ago to provide free quality education, are facing a sharp decline in admissions this academic year. Official data shows that 50,718 seats remain vacant across the state.

Currently, 194 model schools offer classes from 6 to 10 under the SSC syllabus and intermediate courses under the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education. Of the 1.59 lakh seats available for classes 6 to 12, only 1.1 lakh students have enrolled. This is significantly lower compared to 1.3 lakh admissions last year.

A major reason for the shortfall is the poor response to intermediate courses in MEC and CEC streams, with 7,469 and 1,966 seats remaining vacant in these groups. Most students are opting for M...