Dharwad: A deepening shortage of teachers and poor learning infrastructure are eroding academic quality in govt schools and PU colleges in Dharwad district, a district long considered an educational hub. Educators say students are struggling as vacancies disrupt classes.
Statewide, 4,428 teaching posts have remained vacant for nearly a decade, affecting core subjects and slowing coursework. For many rural and economically weaker students, govt PU colleges are the only affordable option as private fees rise. The impact is visible in results: the second-year PU pass percentage fell from 80.2% in 2024 to 72% in 2025.
Dharwad has 111 govt PU colleges. Twelve are functioning without full-time principals, and 79 teaching posts have remained unfilled for years.
Colleges in Gudgeri, Yaliwal, Kamdolli, Hiregunjal, Yeraguppi, Bammigatti, Mantur, Navanagar, Unkal, Hebbal and Alnavar have had no principals for nearly four years. Senior lecturers handle administrative work alongside teaching.
The department of pre-university education says vacancies span Kannada, political science, history, English, economics, geography, mathematics, commerce, sociology, chemistry and biology, affecting both arts and science streams.
Recruitment StalledExperts warn delays may hit the upcoming PU exam results. Regular appointments have not been made since 2013. Several principal posts have remained vacant for over a decade because of retirements and administrative delays.
Aided private colleges face similar issues due to stringent recruitment conditions.
The govt has approved 814 lecturer posts and 242 principal posts in the first phase of recruitment. But the high court has stayed the process. Officials say hiring will resume once the stay is lifted.
Educationists warn that unless vacancies are filled on priority, Dharwad and Karnataka could face long-term academic setbacks. Meanwhile, thousands of students wait for classrooms to have the teachers they need.
