The one pupil admitted to a Kannada-medium engineering course in Karnataka has now determined to modify to English, citing restricted course materials, poor placement alternatives, and the absence of classmates as causes.
Sagar T S selected the Kannada-medium mechanical engineering course at Maharaja Institute of Expertise (MIT), Mysuru, after securing 60 per cent within the science stream. “I joined as a result of my CET (Widespread Entrance Check) rank allotted this course, and I believed I may handle. However there are not any classmates, and the course supplies in Kannada are restricted. My dad and mom additionally suggested me to modify to English for higher profession prospects,” Sagar mentioned.
Launched in 2021-22 below the Nationwide Schooling Coverage (NEP) 2020, Kannada-medium engineering programs have been designed to advertise technical schooling in regional languages. 4 non-public faculties in Karnataka, together with MIT, acquired approval to supply these programs, with Visvesvaraya Technological College (VTU) releasing Kannada-translated course supplies. Nevertheless, the initiative has struggled to draw college students.
Within the programme’s first 12 months, 17 college students opted for Kannada-medium engineering programs throughout CET counselling however later withdrew. Subsequent years noticed one or two college students enrolling, solely to drop out quickly after. Throughout CET counselling for 2024-25, two college students — Sagar and Raghavendra —selected the Kannada-medium mechanical engineering course at MIT. Whereas Raghavendra withdrew, Sagar joined however shortly encountered difficulties.
A pupil from a rural background, Sagar had studied in Kannada medium till SSLC, scoring 85 per cent, and shifted to English medium in his pre-university schooling.
B G Nareshkumar, MIT principal, acknowledged the problem. “Regardless of providing help like high quality educating and course supplies, Sagar has requested a shift to the English-medium course. We’re letting him attend English-medium lessons, however technical hurdles stay,” he mentioned.
In keeping with Nareshkumar, VTU should formally change Sagar’s course medium. Alternatively, Sagar may re-enrol below the administration quota, however this could require extra charges. Having already paid Rs 1.15 lakh, Sagar’s household has mentioned they can’t afford the additional price.
In the meantime, Prasanna H, Government Director of Karnataka Examination Authority, acknowledged that the problem falls below VTU’s purview, and applicable motion could be taken to deal with the matter.
