In a significant move for technical education in the state, Karnataka has decided to implement a cap on the number of seats available in Computer Science and related engineering streams starting from the current academic year. The announcement was made by the state's Higher Education Minister, Dr. M C Sudhakar.
Committee to Study Implications
The minister revealed this policy shift while releasing the official 'CET Guide' for the year 2026 on Friday. Alongside the cap announcement, he stated that the Department of Higher Education will constitute a one-man committee. The primary task of this committee will be to conduct a detailed study on the matter and submit a comprehensive report to the government.
Details and Context of the Decision
While the minister did not specify the exact percentage or number of seats to be reduced, the decision directly impacts popular streams like Computer Science, Information Science, and allied branches. This move is seen as an effort to balance the high demand for these courses with the quality of education and infrastructure available across engineering colleges in Karnataka.
The Common Entrance Test (CET) is the primary gateway for students seeking admission to professional courses in the state. The release of the CET guide marks the formal beginning of the admission process for the academic year 2026-27.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
This seat cap is expected to have immediate repercussions. It will likely increase the competition for admission into these coveted streams, potentially raising the cutoff ranks. The formation of the one-man committee indicates that the government is seeking expert analysis to understand the long-term effects of this decision on the education ecosystem and industry readiness of graduates.
The committee's report, once submitted, may guide further refinements to the policy. Stakeholders, including students, parents, and educational institutions, will be keenly awaiting more detailed guidelines from the department regarding the implementation of this seat restriction.
