Despite over 150,000 students qualifying for admission, Andhra Pradesh’s engineering colleges are grappling with an unusual situation: 25,000 seats remain unfilled across the state’s institutions.
Of the 75,000 engineering seats available, only about 50,000 have been secured by students, leaving nearly a third of all slots vacant.
According to the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), this gap underscores a significant challenge in the state’s education landscape. Many students have completed the mandatory certificate verification process, but there has been a marked reduction in enrollments in some engineering branches. The state is now focused on understanding the factors behind this shortfall, with experts citing a combination of low demand for specific disciplines, a shift in students’ course preferences, and waning interest in traditional engineering programs.
In light of the unfilled seats, many aspirants are awaiting the announcement of the AP EAPCET 2024 counselling schedule, which is expected in the coming days. “We are optimistic about filling more seats through the upcoming counselling sessions,” said a senior APSCHE official, hinting that the schedule should be released within a week.
According to The Telegraph reports, the situation reflects broader trends in India’s education sector, as students increasingly evaluate job market demands and career growth potential before selecting their courses. With counselling on the horizon, APSCHE hopes to see more seats filled. Still, the enduring gap underscores the need to reevaluate engineering education and its alignment with industry requirements.