Cusat sees 10% rise in gross enrolment

Kochi: Defying a broader decline in gross enrolment ratio across several higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kerala, Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has recorded nearly a 10% increase in student enrolment in the last academic year.According to university officials, Cusat registered its highest enrolment in recent years, with 9,872 students admitted in 2025-26. This marks an increase of 847 students compared to the previous academic year, indicating a significant rebound in admissions.The university had an enrolment of 9,250 students in 2021-22 but witnessed a dip over the subsequent two academic years. Among the total students admitted, interstate students accounted for 6.65%, while international students constituted 0.66%. While number of interstate students saw a marginal increase from 572 to 600, intake of international students declined notably from 123 to 70 compared to previous years.University officials said BTech programmes continue to draw highest number of students.Cusat registrar Arun A U told TOI that increase in admissions is a testament to university's recent improvement in performance. "We secured first rank in Kerala Institutional Ranking Framework and we are at sixth position in National Institutional Ranking Framework. So naturally students would be considering such aspects while selecting their preferred institute," said Arun.He said enrolments have not only increased within main campus but also in university's off-campus centres in the state. For the upcoming academic year, university has introduced courses including BTech in artificial intelligence and data science, five-year integrated MSc in econometrics and data science, five-year integrated MA in Hindi language and literature, MTech in synthetic biology and biomanufacturing, and bachelor of vocation (honours) in data science and analytics, which replaces the earlier three-year BVoc programme.Incidentally, interest in upcoming admissions also remains strong, with around 48,000 candidates registering for Cusat Common Admission Test 2026. The entrance examination, conducted for admissions to various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, is scheduled to be held on May 10 and 11.