Government data shows 37 Karnataka PU colleges recorded no admissions, while 57 institutions reported only single-digit enrolment this academic year
Student enrolment in Karnataka's government pre-university (PU) colleges has declined in several districts during the current academic year. Official figures show that 37 government PU colleges have not admitted a single student, while another 57 colleges have recorded enrolment ranging from one to ten students. The School Education and Literacy Department has extended the admission deadline to July 31 and waived the late admission fee to encourage admissions.
Bengaluru: Government pre-university (PU) colleges across Karnataka have witnessed low student enrolment during the current academic year, with 37 government PU colleges recording zero admissions and 57 colleges reporting single-digit enrolment, according to official statistics.
To encourage admissions, the School Education and Literacy Department abolished the late admission fee this year and extended the admission deadline until July 31.
Mandya and Tumakuru Record Highest Number of Zero-Admission PU Colleges
Among the 37 government PU colleges that have not admitted any students, Mandya and Tumakuru districts recorded the highest number, with five colleges each.
The data further shows:
- Shivamogga – 4 colleges
- Bengaluru South – 4 colleges
- Belagavi – 3 colleges
- Chikkamagaluru – 3 colleges
- Davanagere – 3 colleges
- Bengaluru North – 2 colleges
- Chikkaballapur – 2 colleges
- Hassan – 2 colleges
- Udupi – 1 college
- Mysuru – 1 college
- Dakshina Kannada – 1 college
- Bengaluru Central Educational District – 1 college
The inclusion of a government PU college in Udupi, a district known for consistently performing well in board examinations, has drawn attention.
Single-Digit Enrolment Reported in 57 Government PU Colleges
Apart from institutions with zero admissions, 57 government PU colleges have enrolled only one to ten students during the ongoing admission cycle.
District-wise, the highest number of colleges with single-digit admissions includes:
- Hassan – 7 colleges
- Udupi – 6 colleges
- Bidar – 6 colleges
- Kalaburagi – 5 colleges
The figures indicate that several government institutions continue to experience challenges in attracting students despite the extension of the admission process.
Department Explains Reasons for Low PU College Admissions
Bharat S., Director of the Department of Pre-University Education, said the number of government PU colleges with zero admissions has reduced compared to the previous academic year.
He stated that in several localities, multiple government PU colleges are located close to one another, resulting in students opting for a single preferred institution while neighbouring colleges receive little or no enrolment.
Officials also noted that 15 of the 37 colleges with zero admissions are newly sanctioned institutions established during the current academic year.
The department said newly opened colleges may require time before they begin attracting students from surrounding areas.
Officials said 15 of the 37 government PU colleges with zero admissions were established this year, and enrolment is expected to improve over time.
Growth of Private PU Colleges Cited as a Contributing Factor
Department sources indicated that the increasing number of private PU colleges has also contributed to lower admissions in government institutions.
According to officials, students are increasingly opting for private colleges because of infrastructure, academic facilities and campus amenities.
Education department sources also observed that government PU colleges require further infrastructure improvements to remain competitive. Some officials have suggested regulating permissions for new private PU colleges in areas where government colleges already operate to ensure balanced student enrolment.
Government Continues Admission Drive
The School Education and Literacy Department has extended the admission deadline and removed the late admission fee in an effort to increase enrolment before the admission process concludes.
Officials are expected to review the final admission figures after the extended deadline and assess measures to improve enrolment in government PU colleges across Karnataka.
