Biotechnology course losing popularity in Bangalore University

The demand for basic sciences courses at post-graduate level in Bangalore University (BU) has fallen sharply, varsity officials say.
BU on September 4 started counselling for centralised admission to PG courses in affiliated colleges and university departments for the current academic year.

The data available with the BU show that basic sciences courses such as biotechnology and biochemistry have found fewer takers this year. About 300 students had applied for these courses past year as against 180 and 125 this year.

In fact, a BU official said this year, the number of applications itself for the science courses was less. Other courses in which fewer students showed interest are Masters in International Business, Masters in Tourism Administration and Masters in Finance Administration, the official said.

On the other hand, official said admission to courses such as mathematics, physics and chemistry has improved over the past year. Student intake increased in the commerce stream too, as has been the trend for few years. Counselling for admission to commerce and science courses got completed on Saturday.
About 700 seats for commerce courses in BU department and affiliated colleges have been filled.

Counselling for arts courses is scheduled to be held from Sunday, September 11. Students having rank from 1 to 100 will be eligible for counselling on day one. Applications for arts courses have been increased this year. Courses such as economics and political science received more than 1,800 applications each.