The number of higher education institutions under Mangalore University has decreased from 162 to 155 for the academic year 2025-26, as five colleges did not apply for affiliation.
Ganesh Sanjeev, Director (in-charge) of the College Development Council, reported that the colleges that opted out include Canara Vikas First Grade College, Carmel College, Medha College, Gunashree First Grade College, and Nidhi Institute of Creative Art and Management.
Among the 155 colleges seeking affiliation, 104 are private, 33 are government, nine are autonomous, four are constituent, and five are permanently affiliated colleges. The previous year saw a similar trend, with 12 colleges not applying for affiliation, reducing the number from 174 to 162.
The decline in the number of colleges is attributed to job market trends and stringent affiliation requirements for new private institutions. Many colleges are struggling with low student enrollment and are either closing courses or suspending them.
In a related development, the Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, P.L. Dharma, advised autonomous colleges to seek university approval before launching new courses.