20,000 B.Tech seats vacant in Kerala: Call for engineering education reform

The revelation of 20,000 vacant seats for B.Tech programs in non-government engineering colleges in Kerala is not surprising, given the broader crisis facing engineering education across many states. In some regions, such as Tamil Nadu, efforts to fill these seats have led to the waiver of entrance exams, with admissions based solely on plus-two marks. Tamil Nadu's push to exempt medical admissions from entrance exams has faced obstacles, including delays in approvals from the Medical Council and Central Government and an unsuccessful Supreme Court appeal.

In Kerala, the situation mirrors this broader trend. Following admissions to both government-run and private self-financed engineering colleges, a substantial number of seats remain unfilled. To address this, the state has decided to allow admissions based on a minimum of 45% in plus-two marks, even for those who did not qualify through the entrance exams. This measure, also implemented last year, aims to provide opportunities for students who might otherwise face limited options for higher education and offers a lifeline to struggling engineering colleges.

Currently, there are 56,407 B.Tech seats available across all engineering colleges in Kerala. The most sought-after seats are filled first, leaving self-supporting colleges—often lagging in academic performance and success rates—facing closure due to insufficient student numbers. This trend, seen in various states, underscores a growing crisis where engineering colleges are repurposed or closed due to a lack of enrollment.

The root of the problem lies in the establishment of self-financing engineering colleges without adequate foresight or alignment with future demands. Many institutions have not adapted to evolving trends in engineering education, resulting in outdated curricula and a shortage of qualified teachers for emerging subjects. Additionally, delays in the admission process contribute to the low enrollment rates, with students often seeking opportunities in other states where admissions are completed earlier.

To address these challenges, it is imperative to modernize course offerings and improve the quality of education to meet current industry needs. Revisions to the engineering curriculum and improvements in the standard of study are essential to attract and retain students, thereby preventing further vacancies and ensuring the sustainability of engineering institutions in the state.