Second Pre-University Examinations Commence in Mangaluru District
The Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) has announced that the second pre-university examinations will begin this Saturday in the Mangaluru district. A total of 37,337 students are scheduled to appear for these crucial tests, marking a significant academic milestone in the region.
Shifting Language Preferences Among Students
Officials from the DPUE have highlighted a notable trend in language registrations for the examinations. Data reveals a clear shift away from Kannada and toward English as the preferred medium of instruction. Specifically, Kannada registrations have decreased from 21,313 last year to 20,709 this year. In contrast, English registrations have risen substantially from 32,130 to 35,710. Hindi maintains its position as the third choice with 10,712 registrations, showing relative stability.
Jayanand Suvarna, principal of Government PU College in Shakti Nagar and president of the Dakshina Kannada Pre-University Colleges Principals' Association, commented on this trend. He stated, "In the district, most students prefer English over Kannada, indicating a clear leadership of English in academic preferences." Regarding Hindi, Suvarna noted that only one government PU college in Balmatta offers the subject, resulting in minimal enrollment from government institutions.
Language Choice Flexibility in PU Curriculum
Pre-university students are required to study two languages as part of their curriculum. Officials explained that language choices often vary depending on the type of educational institution. Students in government colleges typically opt for combinations such as Kannada and English or another language. Meanwhile, those enrolled in aided and unaided colleges generally show a stronger preference for English as their first language, followed by options like Kannada, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, or French.
This flexibility marks a departure from the fixed first- and second-language structure followed until class 10. The PU course allows students to choose languages other than Kannada or English as permitted, providing greater academic autonomy and catering to diverse linguistic interests.
Free Transport Initiative for Students
In a supportive measure for examinees, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced free travel for second PU students starting from Saturday. Students can avail themselves of this facility by simply showing their admit cards on KSRTC buses. This initiative aims to ease transportation challenges and ensure that all students can reach their examination centers without financial burden, promoting accessibility and convenience during this critical period.
The combination of shifting language trends and supportive measures like free transport underscores the evolving educational landscape in Mangaluru, as thousands of students embark on their pre-university examinations.
