The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments to complete the EAMCET counselling by August 31.
The apex court also asked the two States to ensure that classes began from the first week of September.
It also remarked that students should not suffer due to the bifurcation of the State, and that their future should not fall prey to politics.
The court posted the next hearing in the case to August 11.
The directions came as a big jolt to the Telangana government which had sought time till October to complete the EAMCET counselling.
Further, it would facilitate the Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education to go ahead with its announced schedule of conducting verification of certificates on August 7.
In view of these directions, the recently formed Telangana State Council for Higher Education might not find any relevance for this academic year. (INN)