BSc chemistry most popular course in govt colleges this year

Chennai: BSc chemistry was one of the most sought-after courses in the govt arts and science colleges in the city this year. While BSc physics, botany and zoology also received a good number of applications, BSc maths received the lowest among basic science programmes this year.Job opportunities and low fees were cited as reasons for applicants preferring the BSc chemistry programme this year.To increase admissions in BSc maths, the Directorate of Collegiate Education has directed the six autonomous colleges in the city to change the nomenclature of BSc maths to BSc maths with data science from this academic year.Admission counselling in govt arts and science colleges began on Monday. At Presidency College, BSc chemistry topped with 23,317 applications for four batches in both shift 1 and shift 2 this year.“We have filled 60% seats in BSc chemistry on Day 1. In BSc maths also, we have filled 50 out of 80 seats and are confident of filling the rest in the second round,” said R Raman, principal of the college.“Last year too, BSc chemistry received the highest number of applications. The labs, quality faculty members, and job opportunities for chemistry graduates might attract more applications,” he added.BA political science, BA economics and BA Tamil are three other courses with a high number of applications this year.At Govt Arts College in Nandanam also, BSc chemistry was one of the most preferred courses. For 80 seats, the college received 11,324 applications this year. It also received a high number of applications for courses such as BSc advanced zoology and biotechnology, BSc plant biology and BSc plant biotechnology.“Following the direction from the directorate of collegiate education, we are planning to change the nomenclature of BSc maths (English medium) to BSc maths with data science from this year,” said D Thangarajan, principal of Govt Arts College, Nandanam.BSc computer science, BCom corporate secretaryship and BA Tamil were among other popular courses in the college this year.Dr Ambedkar Govt Arts College in Vyasarpadi also received 10,289 applications for 60 seats in BSc chemistry this year. “Courses like BSc psychology, BSc visual communication and BA economics also received around 5,000 applications each this year. On the first day, we have filled 18 out of 48 seats in the BSc maths course,” said K Sivakumari, principal of the college.