Marginal increase in engineering applications

About 6,000 more than in 2016; tentative date for counselling is June 27

Despite fears that Tamil Nadu students will lose out significantly on medical seats due to NEET, there has not been a significant increase in interest in engineering seats. The 1,41,077 applications received by Anna University — some 6,000 more than in 2016 — does represent a change, however, over last year when the number of applications dropped significantly.

Officials say around 1.89 lakh seats are available this year, which means at least 45,000 seats will go vacant. The number of seats going unfilled may increase after the admission process is completed. Eleven colleges have shut down during the last academic year.

On Tuesday, random numbers used to prepare inter-se-merit, where more than one candidate has secured the same mark, were generated for all the applicants. The inter-se-merit among the candidates would be determined in the order of priority based on percentage of marks in mathematics; physics; fourth optional subject; date of birth (elder will be given preference); and random number assigned (higher value will be given preference).

The 10-digit seed number was generated using two numbers each contributed by Higher Education Secretary Sunil Paliwal; Anna University Registrar S. Ganesan; College of Engineering Dean T.V. Geetha; a parent and a member of the media. The seed number, 8536692309, was used as the base to assign random numbers to all the applicants.

The tentative date for counselling is June 27, Mr. Paliwal announced. “Usually counselling is held after the first round of medical counselling is completed. The agriculture university has also started the admission process. The CBSE has said that NEET results would be declared before June 26,” he said.

On the fall in the applicants, Higher Education Secretary Sunil Paliwal said across the country 15 lakh engineering seats were available but it was higher than other countries. “Employment opportunities are slightly affected due to automation but attraction for engineering remains,” he said.

Officials said in colleges there is demand for core engineering subjects while the circuit-based courses are being closed down.

Architecture courses

Admission for B Arch will begin from June 25 for the over 2,000 seats in the State. A total of 4,500 candidates appeared for the National Aptitude Test in Architecture from the State, said Ranee Vedamuthu, Dean, School of Architecture and Planning.