Mandatory undertaking unsettles BA aspirants at University College, Hampankatta

Mangaluru: Students applying for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme at University College, Hampankatta, have raised concerns over a mandatory undertaking required during the admission process for the 2026-27 academic year.Admissions are under way at the constituent college of Mangalore University. Applicants are required to sign an undertaking stating they will shift to an alternative subject combination if their preferred elective does not meet the minimum enrolment requirement.As per Mangalore University norms, an elective combination will be offered only if at least 30 students opt for it. If the required number is not met, the college may discontinue that combination and reassign students to another available elective. The condition applies to all applicants selecting elective combinations.The move has triggered anxiety among applicants, many of whom fear they may not be able to pursue their chosen subjects, adding uncertainty to this year's admission process.A student who applied for a combination that includes journalism said she was disappointed upon learning about the undertaking during admission. "The undertaking states that if the chosen combination is not available when classes begin, the student will have to opt for another available combination," she said.According to sources in the college, combinations involving journalism, English and Hindi majors may find it hard to secure the required minimum of 30 admissions.When contacted, principal Ganapathi Gowda said the college introduced the undertaking following directions from Mangalore University. He said the university has decided not to continue courses that fail to secure at least 30 admissions. "If students do not get the combination of their choice, they have the freedom to choose another combination on their own. Since there is still time before the academic year begins, we are hopeful that all subject combinations will receive adequate admissions," he said.Gowda said the college offers around 10 BA combinations and urged students not to panic. Admissions to BCA and BCom courses have been encouraging, while enrolment in BA and BSc programmes has been progressing slowly.Meanwhile, the university's directive has drawn opposition from some quarters, as the department of collegiate education stipulates that a minimum of 15 students is sufficient to start a course.
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