Zero Enrolment in Basic Sciences Plagues 20 Tamil Nadu Government Colleges

The Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department is facing a persistent challenge of low enrolment in basic science courses across many government colleges. Over the past two years, 20 colleges have failed to attract a single student for some of these courses.

As admissions for the academic year 2026-27 proceed, the state's 181 government arts and science colleges have filled just under 65% of their seats. Out of a total sanctioned strength of 1,26,959, 81,734 students have been admitted as of July 8, including 49,087 women.

However, several colleges in Udhagamandalam, Valparai, Ariyalur, Orathanadu, Kanniyakumari, Thittakudi, Kumarapalayam, Manalmedu, Ramanathapuram, Nagercoil, Mudhukulathur, Thalavadi, Aravakurichi, Koothanallur, Tharapuram, and Eriyur have reported zero enrolment for either Mathematics or Physics, or both. Additionally, Sethupathi Government Arts College in Ramanathapuram, Arignar Anna Government Arts College in Namakkal, Rajaduraisingam Government Arts College in Sivaganga, and Thirumagal Mills Government College in Gudiyatham also recorded no takers for these subjects. Notably, these colleges had similar outcomes in the previous academic year.

Sources reveal that zero enrolment has affected 17 Mathematics Departments and seven Physics Departments across these institutions. In some colleges, both departments drew a blank. Five of these colleges were established only in 2022.

In response, the department is exploring ways to attract students. In October last year, the government raised the age limit for undergraduate admissions in government arts and science colleges from 21 to 40 years. So far, 609 men, 1,000 women, and four transpersons in this age bracket have enrolled. An official noted that many married women have joined various courses, which is a positive development.

Low enrolment in basic sciences has been a concern for about five years, but the situation has become more acute recently. Officials are considering rationalising the number of teachers. While it is mandatory to provide teaching facilities even for a single student, zero enrolment could lead to merging courses with neighbouring colleges and redistributing teachers. However, course closures are not being contemplated yet, as at least three consecutive years of zero enrolment are required for such a decision. "The admission process is still ongoing. We are hopeful," an official added.

To boost enrolment, the department has decided to introduce new B.Sc. courses in Data Science, Visual Communications, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Nutrition and Dietetics, Catering Technology, Computer Science with Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Geomorphology in select colleges.