M'luru University humanities courses face uncertain future amid declining admissions

The 25-year-old university, once considered a beacon of affordable higher edu in coast, is now struggling to stay afloat

- FATHMA SHALOOLA @Mangaluru

SOME humanities departments at Mangalore University's Mangalagangothri campus are facing an uncertain future due to a sharp decline in student enrollment over recent years. The 25-year-old state university, once considered a beacon of affordable higher education in coastal Karnataka, is now struggling to stay afloat amid dwindling interest, faculty shortages, lack of infrastructure, and increasing competition from private institutions.

One of the worst-affected departments is the MA Journalism and Mass Communication, which failed to attract even a single student for the 2025-26 academic year. This course, once among the most sought-after in the region, has witnessed a steady fall in applications since the COVID-19 pandemic.