Faculty Demand Extension of PG Admissions at Bharathiar University’s Erode Centre
The Bharathiar University (BU) PG Extension and Research Centre in Erode has found itself at the center of controversy after faculty members petitioned the higher education secretary, urging an extension of the postgraduate admission process for the current academic year.
Admissions Closed Too Early, Say Faculty
According to faculty at the centre, postgraduate admissions began in May and concluded by the end of that month. Although BU extended the deadline for five courses — including M.A. Gender Studies and M.Ed. (Master of Education) — three times, the final cut-off date was August 31.
An assistant professor, who spoke to TNIE on condition of anonymity, pointed out that Erode’s PG centre was allotted a separate admission window between June 13 and July 31. “Unfortunately, rumours that the centre might shut down for this academic year created confusion and directly impacted admissions. As a result, only a handful of students joined — 15 in Tamil, 3 in English, 3 in Mathematics, 10 in MBA, and just 2 in MCA,” he explained.
Requests Ignored by University
Faculty members claim that in August, the heads of departments at the Erode centre formally appealed to the registrar (in-charge) for an admission extension. However, no response was received to multiple letters.
“We still have students willing to enroll in various courses,” said A. Balasankar, Chairman of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), Zone IV. “But with the university refusing to extend admissions, those students are being denied the opportunity. That’s why we are pressing for an extension.”
Uncertain Future for the Centre
The lack of clarity around the centre’s future has left both staff and students anxious. While teachers continue to push for a fresh round of admissions, repeated attempts to contact BU’s top officials have gone unanswered.
With demand from both prospective students and faculty, the question remains: Will Bharathiar University reconsider its stance and keep the Erode centre admissions open?
