Officials say nearly 40 per cent of the seats on offer will remain vacant following the drop in number of aspirants; colleges told to fend for themselves
The once keenly sought-after MBA and MCA courses have seen a significant drop in the number of aspirants opting for them. While last year, 25 per cent seats of the two courses remained vacant, the figure is expected to go up to 40 per cent this year.
Though the known management colleges have been able to sustain student flow, the situation is grim for colleges in the interiors of the state. If sources in the education department are to believe, these colleges may end up getting only five or seven students this year. Anticipating the alarming situation, the state government, in its May 30 notification for GCET, has asked the colleges to fill the vacant seats on their own.
“Last year, 23 colleges had only 20-odd students each against the capacity of 120 and about 4,800 seats remained vacant. Later, the education department asked the institutes to fill the vacant seats on their own. But this year, the department, in the notification has clearly directed the institutes to fill the remaining seats on their own,” said a source in Gujarat Technological University (GTU).
The notification also states that students from outside Gujarat, who have cleared CAT or MAT, can also be given admission against the vacant seats.
NO NOD FOR GCET OUTSIDE STATE
The sudden fall in MBA and MCA aspirants has made GTU scout for students outside Gujarat. However, its plan to conduct GCET outside the state has been shelved as the state has denied its nod for it.
“Considering the situation, the university decided to conduct GCET in Delhi, Bombay and other metros. But it didn’t get permission from the state,” the source said.
The technological varsity had attempted to revive students’ interest in management courses. “GTU organised meeting between the college authorities and employers to integrate the latter’s suggestion to make the courses market-driven. The move was aimed at attracting students. But nothing worked out. It’s difficult now to convince students about the job prospects of the courses,” said the source.
GCET DATE IN A DAY OR TWO
The date of GCET is likely to be announced in a day or two. “The notification of GCET has been issued on May 30. We will hold a meeting on Wednesday to decide on the date of the entrance test. Last year, about 25 per cent MBA and MCA seats remained vacant,” said GTU Vice Chancellor Akshai Aggarwal. There are 110 MBA and 78 MCA colleges in the state which offer 13,200 and 8,000 seats respectively. There are 110 MBA and 78 MCA colleges in the state which offer 13,200 and 8,000 seats respectively.
Source : Ahmedabad Mirror
