University of Madras okays 20 per cent increase in arts, science intake

Chennai: In a move which reflects the upward trend of arts and science colleges in the state, the syndicate of University of Madras has decided to increase the intake of arts and science colleges up to 20 per cent from this year onwards.

After nearly three months, the syndicate met on Monday to decide various issues, including affiliation of colleges and clearing the funds. “As per the decision taken in the syndicate meeting, self-financing colleges’ can increase 10% of their intake seats and government aided colleges can increase the intake by 15% and government colleges can increase their intake by 20 per cent,” said P.David Jawahar, university Registrar.

Admissions to engineering colleges are on downward trend for the past few years. Students and parents are showing more interest in joining arts and science colleges.

This year almost all arts and science colleges have witnessed a surge in sale of applications. “We have seen the plight of students and parents who were waiting outside the arts and science colleges to get admission. It’s the duty of the university to respond,” he said. The university is expecting to add more than 2,000 seats by increasing intake of the colleges.

The syndicate also formed a review committee for scrutinising the proposals received under University with Potential for Excellence-2 scheme. R.Thilagaraj and T.R.Goplakrishnan, two members of the syndicate, will
be part of that committee.

Under UPE-2 scheme more than Rs 75 crores are to be allocated for various projects. When asked to comment about the increase of seats, VIT Chancellor G.Viswanathan said increasing the number is good. “We have to increase all the seats wherever there is demand, including medical seats.”