The admission process for government colleges in Gujarat, including Gujarat University, is currently underway through the Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS).
However, registrations have remained low, with only around 1.5 lakh students applying against nearly 6 lakh seats available across 37 universities, 500 courses and 2,789 colleges.One of the key reasons behind the slow response is the delay in approval for several courses, especially integrated law programmes. At Gujarat University, only two of the four colleges offering integrated law courses have received approval so far, limiting options for students during the admission process. Similar issues are being reported at other universities where many colleges are still waiting for final approval.Due to these difficulties, many students are turning to private universities where admissions are faster and simpler.
In cities such as Surat, several Class 12 pass students seeking courses like BBA and BCA in Ahmedabad are preferring private institutions over the GCAS system. Lack of awareness about the admission process among students and parents has also affected registration numbers.
Student organisations such as Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) have criticised the system, calling it complicated and inconvenient. Parents too have questioned the government’s decision to expand GCAS instead of simplifying it.
The registration deadline is currently set for May 28, though there is a strong possibility that it could be extended due to the low response.At Gujarat University alone, more than 63,000 undergraduate seats are being filled through GCAS.
Officials fear that, as in the previous year, a large number of seats may remain vacant again.