Vadodara: M S University’s Faculty of Science is grappling with a plethora of applications for its Master of Science (MSc) programmes. It received 4,000 applications this year for the 400 MSc seats the faculty offers.
Faculty officials believe the rush of aspirants for MSc programmes is because of more students clearing the BSc this year and lots of applicants from outside the campus.
“We had raised our intake seats in both the regular and higher payment BSc programmes three years ago. The first batch of students admitted at the faculty in the first year Bachelors of Science after the increase in our intake is passing out this year. Hence, the number of applicants for MSc programmes has increased significantly,” said dean of Faculty of Science professor A C Sharma.
Earlier, the faculty used to offer 1,080 seats in regular BSc programmes. Three years ago, the intake of regular BSc programmes was increased by 20%. At the same time, the faculty had also started offering 960 seats in the higher payment category. Against 900 seats, 400 students were admitted in the higher payment category.
“Earlier we had 800 students clearing the BSc programme every year. After the higher intake, number of graduates jumped to 1,600. This is why we have more applicants for MSc programmes,” he said.
The intake capacity of MSc programmes varies by subject. Subjects like microbiology, biochemistry, geology, zoology and botany have 25 seats each. Chemistry has 65, Physics 55 and Mathematics has 96 seats.
Admissions for PG programmes will begin at the faculty from June 13. Students will have to taken a written exam based on which a merit list will be made. After issuing the merit list, the faculty will provide a week’s time before it begins on-the-spot admissions.
Except biochemistry and microbiology, in all other subjects, the faculty admits 70% of students who passed their bachelors at MSU. About 20% of students have BSc degrees from universities in Gujarat and 10% students are from other states.
In the case of microbiology and biochemistry – the two streams where the faculty does not offer BSc courses – 70% is for those from outside MSU and 30% of seats are filled by BSc graduates from MSU.