PU colleges in Hubballi-Dharwad are experiencing a significant surge in student enrollments from north and central Karnataka this academic year. This trend is driven by strong SSLC results and the twin cities' growing reputation as prominent education hubs. College managements report that admissions to science and commerce streams have increased by nearly 30% compared to the previous year.
Rising Demand for Science and Commerce
Many colleges, particularly those offering residential facilities, have already closed admissions after reaching full capacity. Although the official deadline for PUC-1 admissions is June 30, several institutions have filled close to 75% of their sanctioned intake. Science aspirants are showing a clear preference for colleges that have tie-ups with professional coaching centers, as they aim to crack competitive exams like NEET and JEE.
Educational Ecosystem Attracts Students
Vishwanath Koravi, director of Chetan PU Commerce College in Hubballi and president of the Dharwad district unit of the Karnataka Unaided PU Colleges Management Association (KUPMA), highlighted the strong educational ecosystem in the twin cities. He stated, "Availability of hostels and PGs, three medical colleges, five engineering colleges, flight connectivity, placement opportunities, and nationally reputed coaching centres are drawing students from across the region. There is also a strong perception among parents that studying here builds a competitive edge."
Commerce stream admissions are also witnessing a rush, with coaching centers offering preparation for CA, CS, CMA, and banking exams. Computer courses, including artificial intelligence training, are emerging as a major attraction for both science and commerce students. Koravi added, "Once students come here for PUC, many continue their higher education in the same cities."
20% Increase in Enrollments
Shankranna Munavalli, former director of KLE Society, noted that the twin cities have seen about a 20% increase in student enrollments this year. He said, "Demand for science is equally strong in residential and non-residential colleges. Most students scoring over 90% in SSLC or CBSE Class 10 have already confirmed seats. Commerce is also in high demand — in our college, 240 of the 300 seats are already filled." He added that students are coming even from distant districts such as Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Chitradurga, and Shivamogga.
Affordable Quality Education
Umesh Purohit, principal of Excellent NEET Academy's PU College in Dharwad, said Dharwad's climate has long been a draw. "Colleges are also upgrading continuously, offering individual mentoring, regular assessments, and fee concessions for meritorious students. Quality education is on par with state capitals, while fees remain affordable. Around 65% of seats are already filled, and many colleges may achieve 100% admissions by mid-June," he said.
