Mangaluru – Government First Grade Colleges (GFGCs) under Mangalore University’s jurisdiction are facing a concerning drop in student admissions for the upcoming academic year starting July 28. Data from the Department of Collegiate Education (DCE), Mangaluru subdivision, indicates that admissions have reached only 81% of last year’s figures so far.
At Dr P Dayananda Pai – P Satisha Pai GFGC, Carstreet, the intake has declined by nearly 10%. “We usually admit over 550 students annually, but we’re currently at 500. Since admissions continue till August 15, we’re hopeful of more enrollments,” said Principal Jayakara Bhandary. He noted that BCA and BSc in Computer Science remain top preferences, followed by BCom.
A similar trend is visible at Govt First Class Women’s College, Balmatta. Last year’s 350+ admission count has dropped to just 217 so far. “Our BCA seats used to fill up quickly. This year, 10 seats are still vacant,” shared Principal Jagadish Bala.
Contrastingly, University College, Hampankatta – a constituent college of Mangalore University – has achieved full admissions and even secured permission for an additional 10% intake. Principal Ganapathi Gowda S mentioned the introduction of two BCA batches this year due to rising demand.
Kavitha K.R., Joint Director of DCE, said that of the 37 GFGCs in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kodagu, efforts like PU college visits, social media drives, and door-to-door campaigns have helped improve response despite challenges.
College heads cited delayed PU result announcements and a shift toward career-focused courses like allied health sciences as key reasons for the dip.