Karnataka places three-year moratorium on permission for new private PU colleges

According to data from the School Education Department (PU), currently, there are 6,398 PU colleges in the State, including 1,371 government, 3,726 private, 811 aided, and other PU colleges. | Photo Credit: File photo To regulate pre-university educational institutions, the Karnataka government has decided to place a moratorium on granting permissions to establish new private PU colleges for the next three consecutive academic years: 2027–28, 2028–29, and 2029–30.Draft rules publishedThe draft of the Karnataka Department of School Education (PU) (Academic, Registration, Administration, and Grant-in-Aid, etc.) (First Amendment) Rules, 2026, has been notified, inviting objections and suggestions before final enactment.The decision to restrict opening of new colleges comes in the backdrop of the number of seats available in I PU increasing every year, outpacing the number of students passing SSLC exams.About 7.72 lakh seats were available for I PU in these colleges for the year 2026-27. A total of 8.42 lakh students had written the SSLC examination across the State in the year 2025-26. Of these, 6.54 lakh students passed. Therefore, about 1.18 lakh seats remain vacant in I PU across the State.According to data from the School Education Department (PU), currently, there are 6,398 PU colleges in the State, including 1,371 government, 3,726 private, 811 aided, and other PU colleges.Three-year freeze on new private PU collegesMoratorium period: 2027–28 to 2029–30Total PU colleges: 6,398Private PU colleges: 3,726Government PU colleges: 1,371Aided PU colleges: 811I PUC seats available: 7.72 lakhVacant I PUC seats: 1.18 lakhPurpose: To regulate private colleges and strengthen government PU institutions.Current status: Draft amendment rules released for public feedback.Source: Karnataka Government draft Gazette notificationIncrease in numbersThere has been a huge increase in the number of private colleges in recent years. In addition to the prescribed curriculum, many of these colleges are providing training for NEET, CET, and JEE examinations, which has attracted more students.Meanwhile, the number of students in government PU colleges is declining, and many colleges have reached the point of closing down.This is despite the fact that the government is providing free education to girls who get admission in government PU colleges. In an attempt to compete with private colleges, some government PU colleges have made arrangements to provide free training for CET, NEET, and JEE exams. Many have smart classes and digital lab facilities. However, enrolment rate remains low.Demand from lecturersIn this context, the Karnataka State Pre-University Colleges Lecturers’ Association had repeatedly appealed to the government to regulate private colleges and give more emphasis on the development of government colleges.Speaking to The Hindu, association president Ningegowda A.H. said: “We welcome the government’s decision to put permissions on hold for three years for new private PU colleges. In addition, we demand that steps be taken to develop infrastructure in government colleges, fill vacancies, and increase student enrollment.” Published - October 31, 2026 06:00 am IST