Bangalore University has directed the principals of its affiliated colleges to promote their courses, campuses, and facilities through social media campaigns and outreach visits to nearby Pre-University (PU) colleges to attract students to various degree programmes.
In addition, a decision was taken at a recent special syndicate meeting of the university to emphasise skill development and infrastructure, including the introduction of new courses to attract students.
Steps to increase admissions
There are a total of 284 government, aided, and private degree colleges under the jurisdiction of Bangalore University, with about 40,000 seats, including in arts, commerce, science, and management streams. However, out of these, only about 28,000 to 30,000 seats are filled every year.
However, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education across the country is 28%, and the Union government and State governments have set a target of increasing it to 50% GER by 2035. To achieve this target, it is imperative to increase admissions in degree colleges.
“Due to various reasons, the total sanctioned intakes for degree courses in the affiliated colleges of our university are not being filled. Every year, more than 10,000 seats remain vacant. In this context, a meeting was recently called with the principals of all the top colleges. During this, it was felt that admissions could be improved if they promote their colleges, courses, and available facilities on social media platforms,” said Jayakara S.M., Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University.
“In addition, there are many government degree colleges within our limits, and there are no websites or social media platforms for the promotion of these colleges. In this context, this year, the university has decided to focus more on social media promotion to attract students,” he added.
“The current generation is using social media more. Therefore, if students are informed about colleges and courses through social media, it will reach them faster. Therefore, all colleges have been advised to open Facebook, ‘X’, and Instagram accounts in addition to promoting the courses through their websites. They have been advised to send information to parents and students’ WhatsApp groups. In addition, if they link to our university website, we will also promote the colleges,” he explained.
Promotion in PU colleges
Along with social media promotion, Bangalore University has instructed its affiliated colleges to go to PU colleges to promote to and persuade the students.
“Professional colleges have already started campaigning for admission to all PU colleges. However, the colleges under our jurisdiction are mostly enrolled by Arts, Science and Commerce students. Therefore, the principals of all colleges have been advised to go to their nearest PU colleges and persuade the students by advertising through handbills. This will help the students who are interested in the courses to make a decision soon,” explained Dr. Jayakara.
Further, he stated that, in order to increase admission in degree colleges, all their affiliated colleges have been advised to start the admission process soon. “If admission is delayed, students will turn to other colleges. Therefore, it has been advised to complete the admission without waiting for the completion of the admission to professional courses. This will help us conduct the degree semester exams on time and give the results early,” he added.
Syndicate meeting
In the recent special Syndicate meeting, the university has decided to take the appropriate steps to increase admissions.
As per the report given by the Local Inquiry Committees of the university, it has been advised to develop basic infrastructure and rectify deficiencies in the colleges within three months.
In addition, a decision has been taken to update the curriculum, vocational education, and skill development in line with industrial and technological developments.
Published – March 29, 2026 07:29 pm IST
