Student preference for Karnataka’s government pre-university (PU) colleges appears to be on the decline, with official figures showing that 37 government PU colleges have failed to admit a single student during the current academic year. In addition, 57 colleges have managed to enrol only one to ten students, highlighting concerns over dwindling enrolment in the government education sector.
To improve admissions, the Department of School Education and Literacy waived the late admission fee this year and extended the admission deadline until July 31.
Among the 37 colleges with zero admissions, Mandya and Tumakuru account for five colleges each, followed by Shivamogga and Bengaluru South with four each. Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru and Davanagere have three such colleges each, while Bengaluru North, Chikkaballapur and Hassan have two each. One government PU college each in Udupi, Mysuru, Dakshina Kannada and Bengaluru Central also reported no admissions.
The department’s data further revealed that 57 government PU colleges recorded only single-digit admissions, with Hassan leading the list with seven colleges, followed by Udupi and Bidar with six each and Kalaburagi with five.
According to Pre-University Education Director Bharath S., the number of colleges recording zero admissions has reduced compared to last year. He attributed the trend partly to the presence of multiple government PU colleges in close proximity, resulting in students preferring one institution over another.
Officials also pointed out that 15 of the 37 colleges with zero admissions are newly established institutions, which may require time to attract students.
Education department sources believe the growing number of private PU colleges with better infrastructure and facilities has also contributed to the shift in student preference. They stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure in government institutions and regulate the opening of private colleges in areas already served by government PU colleges
