T.N. govt. and aided polytechnic colleges see modest rise in admissions, but problems remain

There is more scope in polytechnic colleges, say teachers, citing vacancies in sanctioned seats

While more students have opted for government polytechnic colleges in Tamil Nadu when compared to the previous year, data show that the overall percentage of students entering polytechnic education — whether it is government, aided, or self-financing institutes — has stagnated at 41% for two years in the State.

There has been a significant drop in admissions to self-financing institutes this year, but the drop is only marginal in aided institutions.

Teachers attribute the marginal increase in admissions to government colleges to the State’s Tamil Pudhalvan scheme, which offers a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to boys from government and aided schools so they pursue higher education.

The challenges before colleges

But as far as the colleges are concerned, problems remain. The eligibility criteria for admission to a polytechnic college is completing Class 10. With the School Education Department having set targets to ensure that students complete Class 12 and upgrading more high schools to the higher secondary level, polytechnic colleges are facing issues, say teachers.

Usually, students unable to pursue higher secondary education are the ones who seek admission to polytechnic colleges. But for several years now, polytechnic colleges have been admitting dropouts from higher secondary schools and those who have worked and wish to gain a diploma, they say.

Polytechnic college teachers say that now, candidates who have just managed to pass board exams (35 being the pass mark) in Class 12 are being admitted. “The admission rate is low. Mostly, these students would have taken a break. They may have studied Classes 11 and 12. Some students may have failed or dropped out of school,” said a government polytechnic teacher.

Moreover, institutions with an intake of 90 students admitted less than a third of the number, he said. “We are unable to follow up with the candidates who apply as their listed mobile phone is either out of reach or there is no response. Sometimes, the call is answered by a family member who says the student has taken up a job. If it is a girl student, the parent says she is sick and will join later,” the teacher said.

Keeping students engaged

For teachers, keeping students engaged is also a tough job. “Earlier, students would show some interest in learning. But now, they are more interested in making social media reels. In hostels, four out of five students play video games,” the teacher opined.

According to a teacher, usually, students joining polytechnic colleges would have failed in all subjects but Tamil. The candidates who are being admitted now will most likely have failed in that too, the teacher added. Last year, the government introduced two subjects Tamizh Marabu (Tamil tradition) and Tamizhar Thozhilnutpam (Tamil technology).

Teachers say their aim now is to ensure that a student remains in class. “If the student comes to the institute, we can prepare them. Students who show interest in science are being pushed to the commerce stream in schools as they score poorly in Class 10, but such students come to polytechnic colleges after Class 12 and want to pursue engineering,” a teacher said. For such students, the concepts they missed learning for two years would have to be taught.

Demand and supply

V. Srinivasan, principal, PAC Ramasamy Raja Polytechnic College, Rajapalayam, said in the past four years, there has been a fall in admissions though the placement for polytechnic students has not reduced. “There is a lot of scope and requirement in industry. We are unable to supply students. Five years ago, we would not have students below 400 marks in Class 10 but now, we admit students who have just passed and yet, we have 100 unfilled seats. Companies are also finding it difficult to get trained hands,” he said.

The autonomous college has tied up with several industries which absorb students after training them in the laboratories they have set up in the college, Mr. Srinivasan said. “These students get a higher start, and they are then trained (by the company) for further promotions,” he added.

Mr. Srinivasan said recruiters, however, believe that it is just a matter of time before students return to polytechnic education. A higher education official agreed with this observation. “At the base of the pyramid are technicians who are required to work on the industrial floor. As the pyramid rises, the number of jobs at the higher levels are also fewer, leaving little space for movement,” the official explained.

Published - December 16, 2024 07:29 pm IST