In 3 yrs, TN sees 30% rise in govt students joining higher edu

IN three years, the number of government school students pursuing higher education in Tamil Nadu increased by nearly 30%, according to data from the school education department, with at least 74% of students who took the Class 12 boards enrolling in colleges in 2023-24.

- SUBASHINI VIJAYAKUMAR @ Chennai

In 2021-22, this figure was just 45%. It rose to 69% in 2022-23 after the state government introduced the Pudhumai Penn scheme that provides female government school students enrolled in higher education institutions with a monthly incentive of ₹1,000.

The state rolled out a similar scheme for male students, Tamil Pudhalvan, in 2024.

"The increase in numbers is a result of schemes like Pudhumai Penn, and Naan Mudhalvan, aimed at pushing students towards higher education. The Naan Mudhalvan scheme (launched in 2022) also creates awareness among students regarding higher education and motivates them," said a senior official from the department.

In 2022-23, 2,72,744 of 3,97,809 students who wrote the Class 12 exams from government schools secured college admission.

In 2023-24, 2,47,744 students out of 3,34,723 students enrolled in colleges.

This includes students who enrolled in ITIs and polytechnic institutions.