COIMBATORE: As undergraduate admissions progress this academic year, 983 seats remain vacant in six govt arts and science colleges in Coimbatore district.The six colleges located in Coimbatore Race Course, Puliyakulam, Thondamuthur, Valparai, Mettupalayam and Pollachi had a total of 4,382 UG seats. Of these, 3,399 seats have been filled, leaving 983 unfilled.Officials from the Coimbatore Regional Joint Directorate of Collegiate Education said Valparai accounted for the highest number of vacancies, with 304 out of 520 seats unfilled while Pollachi had the lowest vacancy count, with 68 out of 420 seats vacant.The Government Arts College (Autonomous), Coimbatore, recorded the highest enrolment, filling 1,883 seats out of 1,996.In the govt-aided colleges category, eight colleges together have 12,926 seats, of which 10,315 have been filled, leaving 2,611 vacant.Overall, 82.38% of seats in govt colleges and 79.80% in govt-aided colleges have been filled.Govt college faculty cited the lack of hostel facilities in Valparai as a key reason for lower enrolment, as students from other districts hesitate to join. They pointed out that admissions had been open until September last year, but closed by August this year. They said extending the deadline could bring in more admissions.The joint directorate said the deadline for filling remaining seats in the six govt colleges had been extended till Aug 31, adding that if required, a request would be made to the Bharathiar University registrar for further extension.According to officials, a new hostel is under construction on the Valparai govt college premises. Steps were being taken to fill all seats, with a clearer picture expected after medical and engineering counselling concludes, they added.
