Despite the stark reality of vacant seats and low enrolment figures, the Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) has taken a controversial decision regarding undergraduate admissions. The council has resolved to limit the degree first-year admission process to just two rounds, as opposed to the previous four or five rounds.
The decision was announced during a meeting of Vice-Chancellors held on Friday, where the academic calendar for undergraduate courses was also finalised. As per the new schedule, first-year degree classes are set to commence from 16 June 2025.
For the academic year 2024–25, a total of 4,57,704 seats were available for first-year students. However, only 1,96,442 students secured admissions, leaving over 2.61 lakh seats unfilled. Several colleges, especially in rural areas, reported admissions as low as 10 to 15 students, with more than 50 institutions recording zero admissions.
Private college managements have expressed serious concern over this change. “If such low enrolment is the outcome of multiple admission rounds, reducing them to just two may further deteriorate the situation,” they warned.
Further complicating the scenario is the timeline of entrance exams and supplementary results. Intermediate supplementary results are expected in July, while EAPCET counselling may extend beyond July. Similarly, JEE and subsequent engineering counselling, as well as B.Pharmacy admissions, will only conclude around August or September.
This has led private college authorities to question the rationale behind completing degree admissions as early as June. They argue that students awaiting results or those not securing seats in B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, Law, IITs, or NITs may be forced to forgo higher education opportunities, as degree seats would no longer be available post the two limited rounds.
The education community awaits a response from the Council as the debate intensifies around access and timing in higher education.
