The Karnatak University (KUD) campus was abuzz with activity on the third day of counselling on Saturday for various courses for 2013-14 academic year.
The campus witnessed a large number of students from various parts of the state.
The KUD offers over 50 post graduate degree and diploma courses.
Though there is demand for all the courses, conventional courses like physics, chemistry, mathematics and MCom have left other streams way behind when it comes to students’ choice. This is in contrast with the general belief that there are less takers for these courses.
In terms of number of applications received, MCom stream stands first with 1,700 applications for 614 seats, followed by chemistry with 1,000 applications for 75 seats and mathematics with 750 applications for 170 seats. But in terms of competition, physics leads with 850 applications for just 60 seats. Apart from these subjects, economics, political science, library science are some other favourite subjects.
“The demand has never diminished for the chemistry. In fact, it is getting bigger with several multi-national companies in medicine and chemical industries setting up units in India and the subsequent increase in job opportunities,” said HoD S A Chimatdar.
Same is the case with physics and mathematics. Increased importance for basic science in all the fields is one of the reasons.
Basic science is incomplete without mathematics, said SCP Halakatti of the department. In economics, it is the econometrics, which deals with research and banking, attracted more applications, said Santosh, an aspirant from Gadag.
Among social science subjects, MSW, library science, political science and sociology had more seekers. For foreign languages, there were few takers for certificate courses in French, German and Russian, wherein just 12, 36 and 21 students respectively have applied against the intake of 80 in each language.
There was no response for PG course in foreign language, sources said.
At some of the PG study centres where there are no takers for some subjects, fresh applications will be invited, sources said.
While online filing of applications has eased the burden of those from far-off places, disciplined counselling has helped many who come seeking admission.