Bangalore University turns to social media to boost enrolment in degree courses

Bangalore University leverages social media to enhance degree course enrolment and attract more students to affiliated colleges.

Bangalore University has directed the principals of its affiliated colleges to promote their courses, campuses, and facilities through social media campaigns and outreach visits to nearby Pre-University (PU) colleges to attract students to various degree programmes.

In addition, a decision was taken at a recent special Syndicate meeting of the university to emphasise skill development and infrastructure, including the introduction of new courses to attract students.

There are a total of 284 government, aided, and private degree colleges under the jurisdiction of Bangalore University, with about 40,000 seats, including in arts, commerce, science, and management streams. However, out of these, only about 28,000 to 30,000 seats are filled every year.

However, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education across the country is 28%, and the Union and the State governments have set a target of increasing it to 50% GER by 2035. To achieve this target, it is imperative to increase admissions in degree colleges.

“Due to various reasons, the total sanctioned intakes for degree courses in the affiliated colleges of our university are not being filled. Every year, more than 10,000 seats remain vacant. In this context, a meeting was recently called with the principals of all the top colleges. During this, it was felt that admissions could be improved if they promote their colleges, courses, and available facilities on social media platforms,” said Jayakara S.M., Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University.

“In addition, there are many government degree colleges within our limits, and there are no websites or social media platforms for the promotion of these colleges. In this context, this year, the university has decided to focus more on social media promotion to attract students,” he added.