Except for the fact that the results were published quickly, the pass percentage in the final year Engineering exams of the Technological University is not something to be proud of. It is true that the success rate was five percent higher than the previous year. However, it is only when they achieve greater success that the strength and excellence of those who are the future of the country in the field of technology come out. Out of 28424 candidates who appeared for the final year examination in 144 colleges in the state, only half were able to win the degree certificate. The pass percentage in the exam reinforces the generally growing concern about the quality of engineering studies. Experts said that the decline in quality is due to the fact that those who lack aptitude and learning are coming forward to study technology. At least a few who do not get admission in other courses end up in this area. There are many who have to choose an engineering course at the insistence of their parents. Such people will not be able to complete their studies. The 2017 batch, which has just released its results, had 32,525 admissions. By the end, this number had dropped to 28,424. 4101 students were unable to enter the last semester. Half of them have dropped out. 988 students are stuck in the year-out condition and continue in the lower semesters in colleges.

Government colleges and quality aided and self-financed institutions have continued their tradition of delivering excellent results this year as well. Among them, the College of Engineering Trivandrum, Thrikkakara Model Engg College, Muthoot Institute of Technology, TKM, and Rajagiri deserve special mention. These colleges have the highest pass percentage. It can be considered as the contribution of the talented students who achieved the highest rank in the entrance examination. Of the 14743 B.Tech graduates, 3008 have graduated with honors rank.

With the advent of self-financing colleges, it was considered a great achievement that engineering education became accessible to ordinary children. With the proliferation of colleges, there was a situation where many did not even have the required standard. Many of the self-financing colleges have lagged behind in providing excellent success rates. Even the High Court had raised the question as to why such colleges continue. The Technological University, which came to existence with the objective of raising the standard of technical education, has already taken several steps to raise the standard of education. There have been some positive changes since then.

With each passing year, engineering colleges are reporting more vacant seats. This is not only the case here but also in other states. The concessions and tactics adopted by managements to fill the seats anyway also lead to further deterioration. The easing of eligibility criteria for admission will ultimately destroy the technical education sector. This reality needs to be considered along with efforts to raise the standard of learning.