For the second consecutive academic year, undergraduate (UG) science courses are losing the battle to commerce courses that are seeing a surge in demand.
Some Bangalore University (BU) affiliated colleges have not got any application for science courses so far. In a related development, the varsity has received requests from several colleges for enhancement of intake for commerce courses – B.Com., BBM and BCA.
While BA and BSc courses in Government colleges continue to find takers due to attractive fee structure, private colleges are finding it difficult to sustain courses in arts and science streams.
M. Jayappa, Associate Professor of Commerce, RBANM’s First Grade College and president, BU Teachers’ Council of Commerce and Management, said they have not received any application for two combinations offered under the faculty of science. “Last year, our two mathematics and three physics teachers were deputed to government colleges because our sciences courses were discontinued. We don’t know what will happen this year,” he said.
CET resultsPrivate colleges are waiting for the results of the Common Entrance Test (CET) on May 27 hoping that at least students who don’t get medical or engineering seats may opt for B.Sc.
“There are over 90,000 (government and government-quota) engineering seats available. Most students who have passed II PU and assigned a rank in the CET will qualify to be allotted a seat,” said B.S. Srikanta, principal of Surana College and president of BU First Grade College Principals’ Association. Prof. Srikanta said governmental intervention was required as the trend was an undesirable “BU’s restructured four-year BS programme may attract a few more students who want to go abroad in future. ,” he added.
