GCAS: Only 1.5 lakh register for admissions to 6 lakh seats in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: The admission process for govt colleges in Gujarat, including Gujarat University, is currently underway through the Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS). However, the response so far has been relatively low, with only around 1.5 lakh students registering against approximately 6 lakh available seats across 37 universities, 500 courses, and 2,789 colleges.

One of the major challenges affecting registrations is the limited approval granted to certain courses, particularly integrated law programs programmes. In Gujarat University, only two out of four colleges offering integrated law courses have received approval so far. As a result, students are unable to select their preferred colleges, reducing their available options. Similar issues are being reported in other universities where several colleges are still awaiting final approval.

Due to these complications, many students are opting for private universities, where admissions are quicker and more straightforward. In cities like Surat, a significant number of Class 12 pass students are seeking admission in Ahmedabad for courses like BBA and BCA but prefer private institutions over the GCAS process. Some students and parents also lack proper awareness about GCAS, further contributing to the low registration numbers.

Student organisations such as ABVP and NSUI have raised concerns over the system, calling it complicated and inconvenient. Parents have also criticised the govt for expanding GCAS instead of simplifying or removing it.

The registration deadline is set to end on May 28, but given the current situation, there is a strong possibility that it may be extended.

At Gujarat University alone, over 63,000 undergraduate seats are being filled through GCAS. Last year, many seats remained vacant due to similar issues, and there are concerns that the situation may worsen this year.