As Anna University gears up for another admission season, it has to contend with the number of vacant seats this academic year.
For two consecutive years, over one lakh engineering seats in the State remained vacant. Last year, 20,876 more seats remained vacant compared to 2013-14.
Despite the dismal picture, few colleges have closed shop. This year, university officials have inspected 590 colleges and the report will be placed before the Syndicate for review shortly.
University officials said seats in 570 engineering colleges, including 508 self-financing engineering institutions, 34 schools of architecture, 13 university constituent colleges, 10 State government colleges and two central government institutions would be available for this year’s single-window counselling.
The applications of four new colleges to admit students were rejected by the All India Council for Technical Education. But officials say these institutions had appealed to the council. “They could win the appeal and that might mean more seats. We are still receiving information on the colleges seeking closure/reduction of seats for courses. The seat matrix will be available only by May 15,” said Registrar S. Ganesan.
Technical education officials say even if a college recorded poor performance for several years it rests with the college and the AICTE to either reduce intake or decide close a course. Though several colleges have applied for a ‘no objection’ certificate for the purpose from Anna University, there is no guarantee that these certificates would have been submitted to the council, they say.
“They may continue to offer the course or might reduce the intake. Only when the intake is consistently low will colleges consider closing down a course,” says University Vice Chancellor M. Rajaram.
When more students stay away from engineering courses, colleges that perform poorly will close shop, says educational consultant Jayaprakash Gandhi. Consistent low admission and poor pass percentage make colleges reconsider their decision.
“There are more than 100 colleges that record less than 30 per cent as pass percentage. Some colleges have converted their infrastructure to run schools or arts and science colleges,” he says.
