Vinay Singh Raises Concerns as Registrations Fall Short of B.Ed Seats in Uttar Pradesh

Declining Participation in Joint B.Ed Entrance Exam

Over the years, there has been a sharp decline in the number of candidates appearing for the joint B Ed entrance examination. In 2022, a total of 6,67,463 candidates had registered for the exam. This year, however, only 2,23,384 (2.23 lakh) candidates have registered—almost one-third fewer candidates this time.

Imbalance Between Seats and Applicants

With more seats available (2.40 lakh B Ed seats) than the total number of registered candidates (2.23 lakh), there is a notable imbalance in applicant numbers.

Consideration of Exam Discontinuation in UP

The statistics reveal that approximately 15% of seats will remain vacant. It is evident from the decreased number of applications that there is disillusionment among youth regarding the B.Ed course. Professor RB Singh, the coordinator for the B.Ed entrance, remarked, "The time may not be far when the UP government will have to consider discontinuing the joint entrance exam for the B.Ed course in the state. In Lucknow alone, only 7,328 candidates have registered for the exam, which will be conducted at just 15 centers across the state capital."

Vinay Singh, registrar of Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, overseeing the joint B.Ed entrance examination, pointed out that this year's registered candidates fall short of the total B.Ed seats across the state—2.40 lakh seats versus 2.23 lakh registrations.

Fluctuating Application Numbers Over the Years

Last year (2023), registrations surged to 4,72,882, more than double this year's figure. In the early 2010s, there was a significant spike in interest in B.Ed studies, leading to the establishment of new colleges.

In 2021, applications peaked at 5.91 lakh for 2.51 lakh seats, and in 2022, they reached 6.67 lakh for 2.25 lakh seats. Since then, numbers have slightly declined, with last year seeing 4.74 lakh applications for 2.45 lakh seats.

Challenges in Seat Filling Despite Higher Applications

In past years, despite higher application numbers, only about half of the available seats were filled through counseling processes. For instance, in 2021, only 1.19 lakh seats out of 2.51 lakh were occupied, and in 2022, just 1.36 lakh students enrolled in B.Ed programs against 2.25 lakh seats. Last year, a mere 61,000 seats were filled, amounting to less than 25% of the total capacity. This year, applications have been notably sparse, posing a significant challenge to fill seats, with a substantial likelihood of many remaining vacant.

Impact of Supreme Court Directive on B.Ed Holders

During the previous admissions cycle for B.Ed and BTC programs, a Supreme Court directive prohibited B.Ed holders from teaching up to the fifth standard. Moreover, the strict enforcement of B.Ed qualifications for teacher recruitment in private schools has been lax. As a result, prospects for employment have diminished across the board, leading to a waning interest in pursuing B.Ed qualifications.

Concerns Among Colleges About Seat Filling Prospects

Colleges are deeply concerned about the possibility of filling even 15-20% of their seats. The state president of the Uttar Pradesh Self-financed College Association has expressed grave apprehension, emphasizing that the current situation is dire due to the bleak job outlook. The situation can only improve with timely recruitments in high schools and intermediate colleges.