MARY PRIYANKA
Ranchi, June 22: With undergraduate admissions in full swing across Ranchi, students are stepping into an exciting new academic chapter—this time, with a clear shift in priorities. As the Chancellor Portal buzzes with activity and college campuses fill with eager applicants, one trend is standing out: students are leaning towards vocational and professional courses that promise practical skills and strong career prospects.
Skills Over Theory: The Rise of Vocational Courses
There’s a marked move towards hands-on, industry-ready education. Courses such as BBA, BCA, B.Sc. IT, Journalism and Mass Communication, and emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are among the most sought-after. Interest is also growing in Biotechnology, Fashion Design, and Clinical Nutrition—programmes that combine creativity with career security.
Under the New Education Policy, students can now opt for either four-year undergraduate honours degrees or three-year vocational and professional programmes offered under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).
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Colleges Respond with More Seats and Specialised Programmes
Institutions across Ranchi are expanding their offerings to meet this demand:
- Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University is offering 15 vocational courses with 1,460 seats, including unique options like Film Making, Yogic Science, and Environmental Studies.
- Marwari College has introduced 10 programmes with 890 seats, including Computer Science, Fashion Designing, and Clinical Nutrition.
- St. Xavier’s College is offering 880 seats across 13 professional programmes, such as BBA, BCA, Banking and Insurance, Advertising and Marketing, Animation, and English Literature.
- Doranda College provides 640 seats in four courses—BBA, BCA, B.Sc. IT, and a one-year Amanat certificate programme.
- Ranchi Women’s College is running six vocational courses with 630 seats, reserving 10% for students from Below Poverty Line (BPL) backgrounds.
- Gossner College has five professional courses with 475 seats, including Mass Communication, BBA, and Computer Applications.
- SS Memorial College is offering BBA (Hons) and BCA, each with 60 seats. These are open to students from any stream, provided they scored at least 45% in Class 12.
Expert Speak: A Promising Shift
Kalpana Mishra, Student Learning Coordinator at Ranchi University, welcomed the shift in student preferences.
“The growing interest in vocational subjects is a very positive trend. These programmes prepare students not just for jobs but for long-term success in today’s competitive world.”
Application Window Still Open
The undergraduate application process remains open. Students can submit their applications through the Chancellor’s Portal until June 30.
