In an unprecedented move, government-run first grade colleges in Mysuru have commenced their admission campaign for the upcoming academic year 2026-27 well before the conclusion of the current 2025-26 session. This proactive initiative sets an ambitious target of achieving at least 75% admissions against the sanctioned intake capacity across these institutions.
Strategic Outreach to Feeder Colleges
As part of this comprehensive enrollment drive, college faculty members from Mysuru city have begun visiting nearby feeder Pre-University (PU) colleges to engage directly with students. During these interactions, educators are详细介绍 the diverse courses offered, along with the extensive facilities available at their respective government degree colleges. This hands-on approach aims to bridge the information gap and inspire students to pursue higher education in government institutions.
Departmental Directives and Enhanced Targets
The initiative follows a circular issued earlier this month by the Department of Collegiate Education, which mandated principals and regular faculty members of government degree colleges to visit their mapped feeder colleges. Colleges that recorded admissions of 75% or more in the previous academic year have been assigned an additional target of increasing enrollment by another 10%, reflecting the department's commitment to continuous improvement.
Abdul Rahiman M, Principal of Maharani's Science College for Women (Autonomous), revealed that his institution has already conducted the drive in six feeder PU colleges. "We are meeting students and informing them about the facilities, courses and infrastructure available in our college," he stated. The college currently enrolls more than 2,900 students and provides free midday meals to 200 deserving students through faculty contributions.
Infrastructure Development and Faculty Strength
Principal Rahiman further highlighted significant infrastructure developments, noting, "Soon, our college will get a new building, which is being constructed at a cost of ₹170 crore." The institution boasts 119 regular faculty members along with 75 guest faculty, ensuring robust academic support for students.
Accountability Measures and Quality Interventions
The departmental circular includes strict accountability measures, warning that principals will be held responsible if any course-stream records a dropout rate of 25% or above. This provision aims to prevent fake admissions and ensure genuine educational outcomes.
N Manjushree, Commissioner of Collegiate Education, outlined several interventions rolled out by the department to enhance educational quality in government first grade colleges:
- Recruitment of over 1,000 faculty members
- Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades
- Introduction of new and relevant courses
- Expansion of scholarship programs
"We want to ensure that these benefits reach students. That is why we launched this drive. Last year, we received a very positive response," Commissioner Manjushree emphasized.
Addressing Challenges in Higher Education
The principal of a government PU college in Mysuru district welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of encouraging students to pursue higher education. He identified the high cost of higher education as a major challenge for students transitioning from PU colleges.
"Government degree colleges offer all courses available in private colleges along with skill-based training and scholarships. The guidance programme would help students gain clarity about the courses they are interested in and the career paths they wish to pursue," he explained.
Broader Educational Objectives
This early admission drive serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Improving the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education
- Enhancing overall admission numbers in government colleges
- Providing comprehensive information about academic opportunities to II PUC students
- Showcasing the infrastructure and facilities available in government institutions
- Highlighting the various benefits provided at government colleges
The initiative represents a significant shift toward proactive student engagement and institutional accountability in Mysuru's higher education landscape, potentially serving as a model for other regions facing similar enrollment challenges.
