Government first grade colleges (GFGCs) in Karnataka's Mangaluru division have rolled out a series of targeted initiatives aimed at significantly improving student admissions for the upcoming academic year. A special focus is being placed on institutions that have historically struggled with enrolment, particularly those with admission rates below 75%.
Proactive Outreach to Attract Students
Education officials and college principals have been directed to conduct a range of activities and directly reach out to prospective students before the academic year begins. The Mangaluru division of the department of collegiate education oversees 37 government first grade colleges and one evening college, contributing to the state's total of 430 GFGCs.
Kavita KR, the joint director of the department, explained that this year's strategy is sharply focused on colleges with poor enrolment numbers. "We are implementing several measures, including workshops, career guidance programmes, and extensive outreach activities designed to attract students," she stated. Colleges are actively engaging with nearby pre-university (PU) colleges to provide detailed information about their course offerings.
Building on Last Year's Success
This campaign is not entirely new. A similar drive was conducted last year, which yielded a positive response from students. Encouraged by those results, authorities expect a repeat of that success this year. However, a key improvement has been made in timing. Last year's outreach coincided with PU students' final examination preparations. This time, the campaign has been initiated well in advance to capture students' attention at a more opportune moment.
The Academic Calendar Hurdle
While the outreach campaign is a crucial step, officials within the department point to a systemic issue that also needs addressing: the academic calendar. An anonymous DCE official highlighted a critical gap in the current schedule. PU examinations conclude in March, with results declared by May. Yet, the next academic year for degree colleges often doesn't begin until August or September.
"This extended gap of several months has serious consequences," the official shared. "Many students take up temporary jobs during this period and then decide to continue working, opting out of higher education altogether. Others turn to distance education as a way to study while they work."
The official further noted a post-pandemic shift where students are increasingly drawn to alternatives like Industrial Training Institutes (ITI), paramedical courses, and allied health science programmes. These options often come with perceived job guarantees and quicker entry into the workforce. Additionally, autonomous or deemed universities, which typically start their sessions in June or July, are also attracting students away from GFGCs.
The official concluded that small but strategic changes to the academic calendar could have a major positive impact on admissions for government colleges, helping them retain students who might otherwise be lost during the long wait.
