Mangaluru Educational Institutions Witness Undergraduate Admissions Boom
Following the announcement of the II PU examination results, autonomous colleges and deemed-to-be universities across Dakshina Kannada district are experiencing a substantial surge in undergraduate admissions. Campuses have been bustling with activity as long queues of students and parents form outside numerous institutions, signaling heightened interest in higher education opportunities.
Computer Applications Emerge as Top Choice
College authorities report that the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) has emerged as the most preferred undergraduate course among incoming students. This is closely followed by Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) programmes, particularly those integrated with professional certifications and emerging technologies.
Several educational institutions have responded to market demands by introducing new-age and add-on courses, including specialized programs in artificial intelligence (AI). Management representatives confirm that enrollment trends continue to be strongly influenced by job-oriented and industry-linked programmes, with particular emphasis on commerce, management, and computer application streams.
Institutional Perspectives on Admission Trends
Ronald Nazareth, registrar of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), provided detailed insights into current admission patterns. "We are witnessing exceptionally high demand for BCA, BCom, and BBA programmes," he stated. "Computer-based courses are clearly the most preferred, with BCA consistently ranking at the top of student preferences."
Nazareth further explained that within commerce and management streams, specialized programmes such as BCom and BBA with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) integration are attracting substantial interest. He noted that demand for traditional BSc and BA courses has not yet gained momentum, with interest in BSc programmes typically increasing only after Common Entrance Test (CET) results are announced.
The registrar also highlighted that admissions for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students are being processed exclusively through online channels, as many are unable to travel to campus locations due to various constraints.
Shift Toward Skill-Based Education Models
A similar admission trend is evident at Alva's College in Moodubidire, where Principal Kurian discussed the institution's educational transformation. "We have strategically shifted from conventional degree programmes to skill-based education models designed to make students industry-ready upon graduation," he explained.
Kurian specifically highlighted the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme, which innovatively combines classroom learning with mandatory on-the-job training. This approach enables students to simultaneously earn academic degrees while gaining valuable industry exposure and receiving financial stipends.
"There is substantial demand for such integrated programmes where students spend approximately 1.5 years on campus and the remaining period engaged in industry placements," Kurian noted. He added that courses including BSc in clinical psychology and nutrition are also receiving encouraging responses from prospective students.
Humanities Courses Face Enrollment Challenges
Sr Venessa, principal of St Agnes College, provided contrasting perspective regarding humanities programmes. "Humanities courses continue to record disappointing admission numbers," she reported. However, the institution is experiencing robust demand for specialized commerce and technology programmes including BCom with ACCA, BCA, and BCom with AI integration.
Academic sessions for the new admissions are scheduled to commence in the second week of June across most institutions, with colleges preparing for the influx of new undergraduate students following the II PU results announcement.
