Chaos over test sends capitation fees soaring

TIMES NEWS NETWORK





The chaos and confusion surrounding NEET that has forced many students to consider engineering as a safer career option is fuelling the rise of capitation fees in top engineering colleges. At the same time, there has been a surge in the applications for the engineering entrance exams in deemed universities.

A TOI inquiry with some top engineering institutions in the Kongu region found that an average rise of 20% is expected in the capitation fees for management quota seats. The rise could, however, be restricted to most sought-after engineering courses like mechanical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, computer science engineering, electrical and electronics engineering and information technology .

“A couple of students who happen to be children of our family friends enquired about a management seat in our college. I was surprised they were willing to go to the extent of securing a management quota seat as they were unsure about their ability to perform well in NEET,“ said a representative of the management of a top engineering college in Coimbatore. “The inquiries from students, especially those who have the ability to score well in boards too, revolve around booking a seat in their course of choice,“ the management representative said.

In another private engineering college, the admission department has hinted at 20%-25% increase in capitation fee this year. “We have not told the exact rate, but have given hints about the price being higher this year. Seats in mechanical engineering could go up to `30lakh,“ said a source in the college.

Applications at private deemed universities seem to be increasing. A VIT University , Vellore, spokesperson said, “Last year we had 2.12 lakh candidates apply for the entrance and this year we have crossed the mark. We expect around 2.5lakh students to appear for the exam.“ At SRM University , admission director T V Gopal said, “We have received 1.2 lakh applications so far. There will be an impact of NEET on engineering admissions in deemed universities.“