Student enrolment in higher education institutions across Tamil Nadu has recorded a significant increase in the 2025–26 academic year, Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan announced.
The Minister attributed the sharp rise to a series of initiatives introduced by the State government under Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, aimed at improving access to higher education and supporting students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Schemes such as Naan Mudhalvan, Pudhumai Penn Scheme, and Tamil Pudhalvan Scheme have played a key role in encouraging students, particularly from rural and government school backgrounds, to pursue college education.
Between 2021 and 2026, the government established 38 new government arts and science colleges, four agriculture colleges, a polytechnic college, a law college and 41 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), significantly expanding higher education infrastructure in the State. Additionally, 252 new courses were introduced in arts and science colleges, attracting thousands of new admissions.
Overall enrolment in government arts and science, engineering and polytechnic colleges has risen markedly compared to previous years. Government arts and science colleges alone have seen a notable jump in student intake, reflecting growing confidence in public institutions.
To address faculty shortages, the government has initiated recruitment for 4,000 assistant professors in government arts and science colleges. Steps are also underway to fill lecturer vacancies in government polytechnic colleges through the Teachers’ Recruitment Board.
The Minister said the surge in enrolment reflects the government’s sustained focus on strengthening the higher education ecosystem and expanding opportunities for students across Tamil Nadu.