Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), Faridkot, Punjab which has more than 100 colleges to offer Nursing courses, is struggling to find candidates to fill the vacant seats. The University currently offers more than 5000 seats in its 110 colleges across the state. Despite easing the admission process and conducting entrance test twice, colleges are not getting adequate number of candidates to fill the seats. So far, they have been able to fill just 10% of the total available seats.
Dr Raj Bahadur, vice-chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS), says that vacant seats in Nursing colleges is not new. On huge number of vacant seats in Nursing colleges, Dr Bahadur reasons that many students in Punjab are inclined towards overseas education that leads to inadequate number of students opting for Nursing education in the state.
Additionally, students from neighbouring states including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir who used to come here for their education are now finding options in their state. “Availability of colleges in other states have also led to decline in number of students for our colleges,” adds Dr Bahadur.
A former principal on condition of anonymity says that admission to nursing colleges have been on decline due to huge intake capacity of the colleges. “The primary reason for no takers for Nursing course is that there are large number of colleges offering nursing courses which resulted into shortage of students,” says the former principal.
“Also, mushrooming of colleges has deteriorated the quality of education which could be another reason for almost no takers,” principal adds. Another reason for almost no takers for Nursing courses could be limited job opportunities.
On the other hand, Dr Bahadur says that students are getting good opportunities in both government and private sectors. “With the development of health infrastructure, students are getting placed at various healthcare establishments,” he adds.
On shortage of candidates and its impact on closure of institutions, Dr Bahadur suggests these colleges to start other professional courses as well. “They have made good investments on the development of infrastructure. It should not go waste. Having other courses will help them keep afloat and retain their employees,” says Dr Bahadur. In view of the shortage of candidates, BFUHS may also encourage NEET qualified candidates to apply for admission to their colleges.
School of Health Sciences (SOHS), IGNOU which offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, advance diploma and diploma courses for working or experienced professionals has been getting overwhelming response. “SOHS has close to 700 seats to offer for which we get 10000-20000 applications. Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in a written test followed by counselling,” says Pity Koul, director, SOHS.