Bengaluru: Long seen as a magnet for students across the country seeking higher education, Bengaluru is now witnessing a contrasting trend closer home as local students are stepping away from colleges and choosing jobs instead.
Even as the city continues to attract aspirants from outside Karnataka, many students from surrounding districts are cutting short their academic journeys, drawn by immediate employment opportunities offered by rapidly expanding industries.
In districts around the city; Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru South and Tumakuru industrial growth has opened up jobs for those with SSLC and PU qualifications. Companies are hiring for Group D and assistant-level roles, offering salaries between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000, along with facilities such as free cab transport and accommodation.
This has led to a noticeable shift, with students enrolled in degree courses like BCom, BA and BSc opting to drop out midway and enter the workforce.
Education experts say this short-term choice could have long-term consequences. “Students from rural areas around Bengaluru are getting attracted to these temporary jobs and may lose their future in higher education. A degree is mandatory for many competitive exams. Due to the attraction of immediate employment, they may lose eligibility and miss out on better opportunities,” said a lecturer from a first-grade college.
The impact of the trend is already visible in enrollment data. Data from Bengaluru North University show a steady decline over the past three academic years. In 2023–24, total enrolment stood at 39,675, including 33,910 undergraduate and 5,765 postgraduate students.
This dropped significantly in 2024–25 to 34,920, with 31,693 undergraduate and 3,227 postgraduate students. In 2025–26, the numbers fell further to 34,434, comprising 31,092 undergraduate and 3,342 postgraduate students. The dip is sharper in postgraduate admissions, pointing to a weakening pipeline for advanced studies.
xperts attribute the trend not only to job opportunities but also to gaps in the education system. They say the lack of financial support and engaging academic environments is pushing students towards early employment. The situation is more pronounced among economically weaker sections, where the pressure to earn often outweighs the perceived benefits of continuing education. Several colleges in rural belts have also reportedly witnessed irregular attendance and increased dropouts after students secured entry-level industrial jobs nearby.
“Education must attract students. If free education is not accessible to poor students, they are naturally pushed towards jobs. At this stage, the government must frame policies that support students and keep them in the education system,” said K Nithya, a government school teacher.
University authorities said they are aware of the issue and are planning interventions. “We have noticed a drop in student enrolment. Awareness campaigns and workshops will be conducted, especially in rural areas, to highlight the importance of higher education and encourage students to join colleges,” said Prof B K Ravi, Vice-Chancellor of Bengaluru North University.
