Lucknow students lacking interest in science is national scenario

Updated on: Thursday, June 23, 2011

It seems that medical profession is losing its charm. Students of science stream after finishing class XII are either opting for engineering or are going for professional courses in order to pursue MBA at post-graduation level. The decline in the number of students, experts believe is the high cost of education and long duration of the course. Lucknow University alone recorded nearly 50 percent drop in the number of applicants. The situation in the colleges is even worse.

Sample this. In 2011, as many as 1,401 application forms for BSc (Biology)have been received at LU against as compared to last year's figures of 2,753 application forms. "Students lacking interest in science is a national scenario and Lucknow University is no exception," said AK Sharma head, department of zoology, Lucknow University. He, however, added that continuous efforts are being made by Central and state government to motivate students to take up science (both mathematics and biology).

In colleges like BSNV PG College, only 256 candidates have shown interest in pursuing the course. The college has a total of 325 seats in BSc (Biology). The state of affairs last year was little better, as the college had 318 applicants. What is surprising is that out of 318, only 183 students eventually joined the course.

Principal, BSNV College, GC Mishra said, "The students are keeping themselves away from subject at secondary level itself. There are few takers for biology in class XII. The lack of number is clearly visible at the higher level too."

In Jai Narain PG College, for instance, only 313 application forms have been received as against 420 seats. The figures are indeed worrisome. "There is no doubt that biology group is losing its charm at the graduation level. This is because the cost of medical education has shot up over the years, and students have to spend at least seven to eight years to attain a respectable status," said principal, JNPG College, SD Sharma.

The disturbing numbers has now coaxed Sharma to find an alternative to attract students towards the course. The college from this academic session has introduced a diploma course in medical sales . "The students opting for biology group can also pursue the vocational course in medical sales. This will help them in giving a better exposure," said Sharma.

A faculty member of botany department in National PG College, Abhijeet Chatterjee believed that the craze for medical profession has come down drastically. "The preference of students has changed. Instead of opting for conventional BSc Biology, they are now inclined towards bio-technology, microbiology, environmental sciences and bio-chemistry," said Chatterjee.

Another reason that experts point out was non-upgradation of syllabus in colleges and universities, which is holding back the students.

Times of India

Lucknow students lacking interest in science is national scenario

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