Mangalore University to stick to 15 admission norm

Mangaluru: With admissions remaining low for certain courses and amid growing financial constraints, Mangalore University has decided to retain its policy of offering postgraduate courses only if they secure at least 15 admissions.

University officials said the minimum requirement is intended to ensure that programmes generate sufficient revenue to cover operational costs. The rule was introduced last year, when the university temporarily halted nearly nine postgraduate courses after enrolment fell short.

Ganesh Sanjeev, registrar of the university, said the decision was reaffirmed at a recent syndicate meeting. He explained that postgraduate courses would be offered only if they attract at least 15 students, as the fee revenue generated by admissions is crucial to sustaining the programmes. Running courses with fewer than 15 students is financially challenging, he said, particularly because a significant share of expenditures goes toward remunerating guest faculty.

Sanjeev said the university would consider restarting the programmes suspended last year if they secure at least 15 admissions.

University sources said they expect admissions to remain subdued this year as well. Admissions to first-year undergraduate courses in affiliated colleges have also fallen short of expectations.

University data shows that postgraduate enrolment at the Mangalagangothri campus has declined by nearly 37% over the past five years. Senior and retired faculty members have suggested that the university introduce new postgraduate courses tailored to emerging industry and market demands to attract more students and strengthen its revenue base.