This year, there may be fewer new engineering colleges as well as a possible reduction of seats in Tamil Nadu ahead of the admission season. Sources say Anna University has received only six inquiries for the approval process this year, of which, four or five colleges had applied last year as well but could not get approval because they lacked some requirement. Only 10 colleges have shown interest before the deadline of May 15 for finalising the new colleges.
Since UGC took over charge of technical institutions, college managements have had to send their applications to the university for approval and affiliation, giving rise to confusion whether AICTE or UGC would approve the new colleges. This has delayed the process further.
E.Balaguruswamy, Vice Chancellor of Anna University said that the reduction in seats intake or closure of engineering colleges that were not doing well is not a bad thing for the students. He also added that the government and university should evaluate the status of the engineering colleges and dig out the poor performers.
