As no. of outstation students drop, locals secure admission at premier colleges

Mangaluru: Educational institutes in city, which usually bustle with activity during admission season, see a big drop in number of applications from students outside Mangaluru and Karnataka during the pandemic.
While it has become a cause of concern for the managements, the development has turned into a blessing disguise for the local students (both PUC and degree) as they are able to secure admission in premier institutes.
Almost every college in Mangaluru, receive a majority of inter-state students from Kerala, followed by North East, Mumbai and Goa. There is also a good percentage of NRI students seeking admission. The inter-district students are mostly from Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan.
“Around 100 or more students from Kayyar in Kasaragod district in Kerala usually take admission each academic year at our institution and this year they haven’t turned up. Same is the case with students from other districts,” said Rev Fr Michael Santhumayor, principal, Milagres College.
“Each academic year we have about 25% students from Kerala but the pandemic has reduced it to just 2% so far. Some students from Kerala have paid fees but it remains uncertain if they would turn up once the college opens. When it comes to inter district students, the numbers have plummeted,” reveals Sister Venessa principal, St Agnes College.
Those students from other districts, who seek admissions for PUC, have been requesting educational institutions here to accommodate them from next academic year as they plan to complete first year at their respective native places. “It is true that a lot of parents have been enquiring to continue second PU education next year in Mangaluru. We have responded positively,” said an official at a PU college, requesting anonymity.
Vittala A, principal, Kittel Memorial Pre-University College, Gorigudda pointed out that the pandemic has benefited local students, who are able to get into some top PU colleges — as seats, otherwise, are taken by outstation students. “When it comes to admissions of small PU colleges, it paints a bleak picture,” he pointed out.
Border restriction ease may help admissions
The St Philomena College, Puttur has about 25% Kerala students who daily commute from bordering areas to the college. However, they have not turned up due to border area restrictions. Leo Noronha, principal said this year, only 2% of students are from Kerala. “Removal of border restriction may see a positive outcome. The admissions are also poor from other districts such as Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru,” he added.