Mangaluru: The academic council of Mangalore University on Monday approved revised eligibility criteria for three postgraduate (PG) programmes and cleared a new MSc in earth sciences. The meeting was chaired by vice-chancellor Prof PL Dharma.The council revised the admission norms for MA English, MSc Microbiology, and MSc Yogic Science. For MA English, preference will now be given to graduates who studied English as an optional (major) at the undergraduate (UG) level. Candidates who studied English as a first or second language will be considered only after all eligible optional-English graduates are admitted.The council also approved the introduction of an MSc in earth sciences and asked the dean of the science faculty to examine qualifications prescribed for teaching environmental studies at the undergraduate level.It approved the closure of four BA programmes at three govt first-grade colleges due to poor enrolment. These include BA economics, history and sociology, and history, journalism and Kannada at Govt First Grade College, Kavoor; economics, Kannada and sociology at Govt First Grade College, Punjalkatte; and English, history and political science at Dr G Shankar Govt Women’s First Grade College and PG Study Centre, Ajjarakadu, Udupi.Several new programmes proposed by autonomous colleges for 2026-27 were also approved. These include BCA in AI and ML and new BSc combinations at SDM College, Ujire; PG courses in biostatistics, bioinformatics, climate science, and public policy at St Agnes College; and BCom in professional accounting at St Philomena College, Puttur.The council also cleared apprenticeship-embedded degree programmes at the govt college in Uppinangady, as well as new BBA, BCom, BCA, and BSc programmes in govt colleges at Punjalkatte and Puttur.To address the shortage of senior faculty, the university will establish Schools of Studies at the Mangalagangothri campus and introduce a common curriculum for PG programmes across departments. Draft statutes governing the IQAC, delegation of financial and administrative powers, and the employees’ medical attendance scheme were also approved.Registrar Prof Ganesh Sanjeev said six faculty members were recognised in the SciRank Global Registry. Prof JG Manjunath and Prof KR Sridhar figured among the world’s top 2% of scientists, while Prof Boja Poojary, Prof BK Sarojini, Prof Vishalakshi, and Prof Karunakar N were listed among the top 5%.
