Science graduates would have another institution for pursuing higher degrees in the city as Patna Science College would reintroduce postgraduate courses from July.

Some subjects on offer are physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.

Ten students would be admitted to each subject on the basis of their graduation marks. Patna Science College principal U.K. Sinha said: "The college administration has decided to reintroduce postgraduate courses based on the demand of students and teachers." Classes will be held in the respective science departments initially.

The Patna University postgraduate classes take place at the Patna Science College. Sources said these science departments admit around 35 to 40 students now. With the Patna Science College starting postgraduate studies, the number of seats in postgraduate courses will go up to around 50 seats each.

Welcoming the move, Kumar Ujjwal, a physics student, said: "Due to limited seats in postgraduate courses, many undergraduates fail to pursue postgraduation. Now there will be more admission."

The reintroduction of postgraduate courses after nearly three decades is important, as the college would gain 200 points on a scale of 1,000 required for National Assessment and Accreditation Council accreditation. A Patna Science College teacher said: "The college wants to get a good grade by reintroducing postgraduate courses."

At present, the college has no grading.

Patna Science College, till 1985, was running the courses, as there was a University Grants Commission directive, which preferred the faculty teaching postgraduate courses for promotion from reader to professor. The result saw many enthusiastic teachers teach postgraduate courses in anticipation of a promotion. Later, the UGC directive was scrapped. With a dearth of teachers, many colleges stalled the courses.

Sources said though the college administration has decided to launch postgraduate studies there is a shortage of teachers. Only 350 teachers of the sanctioned 800 teach at the university.

Admission procedure for undergraduate courses at the college also started on Monday. Around 250 admission forms were sold on the first day. The last date for sale and submission of forms is June 15. Entrance tests will be held on June 20.