No takers for bifocal seats

Even as the last date of admission to science vocational (bifocal) course ended yesterday, about 1,200 seats remained vacant.

Even as the last date of admission to science vocational (bifocal) course ended yesterday, about 1,200 seats remained vacant. According to figures given by officials from the centralised admission committee, of the 4,925 seats allotted for this course only 2,900-odd students opted for it. The number is less compared to last year as well, said an official. Around 5,282 students had initially applied to get into the bifocal course. D C Nevse, vocational education officer, Pune region, justified the shortfall by stating that this year seats in the bifocal category have increased as new colleges have been approved.

"However, we also noticed that students have taken admissions in only top colleges and those within city limits. Colleges on the city outskirts or far off areas like Bhosari, Yerawada, Chinchwad didn't find many takers," he said. According to him, students who didn't opt for bi-focal course will now seek admission in science course admissions. "The only difference is instead of second language, students can opt for elective subjects. This boosts their chances of admissions in professional degrees like engineering later.

"However, the difference between merit list of bifocal and general science is about 3 to 4 per cent. That's why students decide not to take admission in far off places, instead they wait for admission in science course in city colleges," said Nevse. Bi-focal courses are part of the science stream where students can opt for any technical electives instead of second language, geography and biology.

Admissions on hold
Elective subjects include mechanical and electrical maintenance, computer science, electronics, banking and marketing salesmanship. The rest of the admission process is currently on hold. "The admission timetable for all other courses will be declared on Monday," said Dr Rekha Palshikar, vice-principal of Fergusson College and member of centralised admission process committee.

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