Admissions plunge in Punjab's public varsities

LAHORE:

Public sector universities across Punjab are witnessing a sharp decline in student admissions in 2025, raising concerns among educationists and policymakers.

Enrollment in undergraduate, MPhil, and PhD programs has dropped significantly, with experts blaming economic hardship, outdated curricula, and a disconnect between degrees and job market demands.

Data from the Punjab Higher Education Department suggests that admissions have fallen by 20% to 30% in many universities.

Large institutions such as Punjab University Lahore, Government College University Faisalabad, and Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan have reported lower-than-expected intake, while smaller universities in districts like Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, and Narowal are struggling to fill seats in even their most popular departments.

"This decline is alarming and reflects a deeper crisis in the education system," said Prof Dr Munawar Sabir, former chairman of Punjab University's Geography Department.

"For many families, even public universities have become financially inaccessible due to hostel fees, travel expenses, books, and other costs."

Parents from rural and low-income urban areas report that rising inflation has made higher education an unaffordable luxury. Shamsa Bibi, a resident of a village near Narowal, said her son had to abandon plans for university despite scoring well in intermediate exams.

"He is now working in a factory because we cannot afford the expenses," she said.

Experts also point to outdated and irrelevant courses as a major factor.

"Many public universities still teach subjects in the same format as 20 years ago," said Prof Dr Muhammad Arshad Ali.

"The job market has changed, but our degree programs haven't. Without skills that employers need, students see little value in spending years at university."

Students are increasingly opting for skill-based diplomas, short professional courses and online certifications, which they believe offer faster employment opportunities.

The rise of freelancing and gig economy work has further shifted educational priorities, with many young people focusing on digital skills rather than formal degrees.

Some universities have tried to respond by introducing new programs in information technology, data science and business innovation, but these efforts remain limited and uneven across the province.

Career counselling services are scarce, and few universities maintain strong industry linkages to ensure graduates find relevant jobs.

The decline in enrollments is particularly severe in MPhil and PhD programs, where tuition fees are higher and job opportunities are narrower.

Faculty members warn that reduced postgraduate admissions could weaken research output and academic growth.

Education experts are urging the government to take urgent steps to reverse the trend. Recommended measures include offering free or subsidized transport for students, expanding scholarships for low-income families, reducing the cost of entry tests, simplifying online admission procedures, and modernizing curricula to meet industry needs.