Hubballi-Dharwad PU colleges see surge in enrolments from north, central K’taka

Pic: AIHubballi: PU colleges in Hubballi-Dharwad are witnessing a sharp inflow of students from north and central Karnataka regions this year, driven by strong SSLC results and the cities' growing reputation as education hubs. Admissions to science and commerce streams have risen by nearly 30% compared to last year, college managements said.Several colleges, especially those with residential facilities, have already closed admissions after reaching full capacity. While the deadline for PUC-1 admissions is June 30, many institutions have already filled close to 75% of their sanctioned intake. Science aspirants are showing a clear preference for colleges with tie-ups with professional coaching centres, eyeing competitive exams such as NEET and JEE.Vishwanath Koravi, director of Chetan PU Commerce College, Hubballi, and president of the Dharwad district unit of the Karnataka Unaided PU Colleges Management Association (KUPMA), said the twin cities offer a strong educational ecosystem. "Availability of hostels and PGs, three medical colleges, five engineering colleges, flight connectivity, placement opportunities and nationally reputed coaching centres is drawing students from across the region. There is also a strong perception among parents that studying here builds a competitive edge," he told TOI.Commerce stream admissions are also seeing a rush, with coaching centres offering preparation for CA, CS, CMA and banking exams. Computer courses, including artificial intelligence training, are emerging as a major attraction for both science and commerce students. "Once students come here for PUC, many continue their higher education in the same cities," Koravi said.Shankranna Munavalli, former director of KLE Society, said the twin cities have seen about a 20% increase in student enrolments this year. "Demand for science is equally strong in residential and non-residential colleges. Most students scoring over 90% in SSLC or CBSE Class 10 have already confirmed seats. Commerce is also in high demand — in our college, 240 of the 300 seats are already filled," he said, adding that students are coming even from distant districts such as Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Chitradurga and Shivamogga.Umesh Purohit, principal of Excellent NEET Academy's PU College, Dharwad, said Dharwad's climate has long been a draw. "Colleges are also upgrading continuously, offering individual mentoring, regular assessments and fee concessions for meritorious students. Quality education is on par with state capitals, while fees remain affordable. Around 65% of seats are already filled, and many colleges may achieve 100% admissions by mid-June," he said.