Chennai: BSc chemistry has emerged as the most sought-after course in government arts and science colleges in the city this year, with a significant number of applications pouring in. While BSc physics, botany, and zoology also attracted a good number of applicants, BSc maths received the lowest interest among basic science programmes this year.
Reasons for Preference
Job opportunities and low fees were cited as key reasons for applicants preferring the BSc chemistry programme this year. The course offers promising career prospects in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and research, making it a popular choice among students.
Rebranding of BSc Maths
To increase admissions in BSc maths, the Directorate of Collegiate Education has directed the six autonomous colleges in the city to change the nomenclature of BSc maths to BSc maths with data science from this academic year. This move aims to align the curriculum with modern industry demands and attract more students.
Admission Counselling Begins
Admission counselling in government arts and science colleges commenced on Monday. At Presidency College, BSc chemistry topped the list with 23,317 applications for four batches in both shift 1 and shift 2 this year.
“We have filled 60% seats in BSc chemistry on Day 1. In BSc maths also, we have filled 50 out of 80 seats and are confident of filling the rest in the second round,” said R Raman, principal of the college. “Last year too, BSc chemistry received the highest number of applications. The labs, quality faculty members, and job opportunities for chemistry graduates might attract more applications,” he added.
BA political science, BA economics, and BA Tamil are three other courses with a high number of applications this year at Presidency College.
Other Colleges See Similar Trends
At Govt Arts College in Nandanam, BSc chemistry was one of the most preferred courses. For 80 seats, the college received 11,324 applications this year. It also saw high demand for courses such as BSc advanced zoology and biotechnology, BSc plant biology, and BSc plant biotechnology.
“Following the direction from the directorate of collegiate education, we are planning to change the nomenclature of BSc maths (English medium) to BSc maths with data science from this year,” said D Thangarajan, principal of Govt Arts College, Nandanam. BSc computer science, BCom corporate secretaryship, and BA Tamil were among other popular courses in the college this year.
Dr Ambedkar Govt Arts College in Vyasarpadi also received 10,289 applications for 60 seats in BSc chemistry this year. “Courses like BSc psychology, BSc visual communication, and BA economics also received around 5,000 applications each this year. On the first day, we have filled 18 out of 48 seats in the BSc maths course,” said K Sivakumari, principal of the college.
