Traditional courses have made a comeback of sorts at Patna University, with some attributing their popularity to improved standards and others to the uncertainty surrounding the four-year undergraduate programme in its Delhi counterpart.

More than 15,000 application forms have been sold for around 4,500 undergraduate seats since the sale of forms began on May 17. It will continue till June 26. Entrance tests to different colleges will start from July 2.

Arun Kumar Sinha, vice-chancellor, Patna University, who also holds the additional charge of the principal of Patna Science College, said: “Around 5,500 forms have been sold for 600 seats at Patna Science College. The last date for the sale of admission forms is still three days away.”

Last year, Patna Science College sold around 4,200 forms. At Patna College, around 2,800 admission forms — 500 more than the previous year — have been sold for 600 seats in humanities courses.

Experts and academics believe that a number of reasons have contributed to the revival of Patna University’s popularity. (See graphic)

Rash Bihari Prasad Singh, principal, Patna College, said: “There isn’t one reason for the popularity of Patna University (PU) colleges among students this year. From the feedback I received from students, it is apparent that the uncertainty around introduction of the four-year undergraduate course in Delhi University this year, recession adversely affecting the placement of engineering students and the improved academic atmosphere at Patna University — all have contributed to the admission rush at PU colleges.”

The introduction of the new admission process at IITs and recession-hit slump in the placement of engineering students in Maharashtra and Karnataka have also prompted students to seek admission to BSc courses rather than tech hubs, where they would have to spend an extra year to complete the course.

U.K. Sinha, dean, Patna University faculty of science, said: “Earlier, students who did not perform too well in their school-leaving exams or those from rural areas would seek admission to undergraduate courses.”

But the introduction of the top 20-percentile rule has left students with no option than to take admission to traditional courses.

Besides uncertainties of programmes and placement at other institutions, improved standards of colleges in Patna are also attracting students.