Chennai: In a concerning trend, nearly 40% of students who passed Class XII in Chennai this year have not opted for higher education, according to data from the school education department. Out of 16,061 students who completed their higher secondary education, 5,626 students have not applied to any higher education institutions, and an additional 958 students are still awaiting admissions in various courses such as medicine, dental, paramedical, and allied health sciences.
The data, updated over the past few weeks on the educational management information system portal by school authorities, highlights a significant gap between high school completion and enrollment in higher education. In total, 6,584 students, representing a substantial portion of those who passed, have not pursued further studies.
Additionally, the data reveals that 1,316 students failed their exams, while 1,213 students were absent during the examinations, further reducing the number of students transitioning to higher education.
Responding to the situation, R. Sudhan, member-secretary of model schools, emphasized the need for intervention. “We have asked the authorities of various schools to contact parents and sensitise them about the importance of higher education,” he said. The government is keen to push more students into colleges before the admissions for the 2024-25 academic year close. School management committees are being mobilized to organize career guidance camps to assist students in navigating the application process for colleges or skill development courses.
These career guidance camps are planned to be rolled out in phases across the state until September. The government aims to map more than one lakh students to the University Management and Information System (UMIS) to track their progress after graduation, ensuring that students who have completed Class XII are guided towards productive career paths.
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In addition to this, a month-long skill development program is set to begin in September. This program will offer short-term training in specific sectors, equipping students with practical skills that can enhance their employability. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing the gap for those students who do not pursue traditional higher education pathways.
Teachers, particularly those working in economically disadvantaged areas, have noted the challenges that many students face in continuing their education. Shanthipriya D S, a government school teacher from Saidapet, explained, “Many economically backward students are unable to study further. Boys are often pressured to find jobs, while girls are frequently pushed into early marriages, limiting their opportunities for further education.”
Efforts are being made to change this narrative. “We will encourage students to either continue their studies or seek employment opportunities. We are also coordinating with alumni to provide information and support, helping these students make informed decisions about their future,” Shanthipriya added.
As the academic year progresses, the school education department, along with other stakeholders, is working diligently to address these issues and provide students with the necessary resources and guidance to pursue higher education or gainful employment, ensuring that they are not left behind in the rapidly evolving educational and economic landscape.
