Chennai: Anna University has put curbs on the admission of students to 76 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu for the academic year 2024-25. The move comes in the wake of the finding that the number of students is less than the required count. 

As per the order issued by Anna University, the colleges may lose recognition if there are not enough students. It is reported that 11 colleges may face closure. Students studying here will be transferred to other colleges.

University authorities will assess the performance of colleges once again in the coming weeks before imposing restrictions.

During the last academic year, the increase in student enrollment in 41 engineering colleges was less than ten percent. The vice chancellor (VC) proposed closing down of colleges with less than a 10 percent increase in enrollment. Later, the syndicate agreed to proceed with actions against colleges with less than 5 percent. Anna University VC R Velraj said that 11 colleges that are currently on the verge of closure have had less than a five percent increase in admissions in the last four years.

The situation will be assessed by July this year. The vice chancellor said that if the student enrollment rate is not improving, the affiliation will be withdrawn in July. 

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) allows engineering colleges with good performance to increase their intake without any conditions. Therefore, students have the opportunity to choose adequate seats. 

The authorities have indicated that the status of the 76 colleges that are performing poorly at present may be uncertain in the future. Students planning to join these colleges are urged to maintain caution.