The trend of CBSE and ICSE students transitioning to Karnataka’s Pre-University (PU) board after Class 10 continues to grow, now representing nearly 12% of the total PU population in the state. In 2024, over 84,000 students made the shift, citing reasons such as integrated coaching, less-rigorous syllabi, and the liberal academic approach of the PU system.
Key Figures Highlighting the Trend
- PU Enrollment for 2024:
- Total I PU students: 7 lakh
- CBSE students: 63,659
- ICSE students: 20,742
- Growth Over Recent Years:
- 2020-21: 56,956 CBSE and ICSE students joined the PU board.
- 2023-24: Over 65,000 transitioned to PU.
Why Students Are Switching to PU
- Integrated Coaching
- PU colleges combine academic classes with competitive entrance exam preparation (e.g., CET, JEE), which central boards like CBSE and ICSE do not permit on campus.
- This approach is seen as a “gateway” to succeeding in entrance exams.
- Perceived Academic Flexibility
- The PU syllabus is considered less demanding compared to CBSE and ICSE, allowing students to dedicate more time to entrance exam preparation.
- Easier Curriculum
- Some students find the central board syllabi tougher and opt for the lighter PU system.
Contrasting Opinions
- Support for PU Transition
D. Sashi Kumar, secretary of the Association of Management of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka, highlights that PU is perceived as more flexible academically, making it appealing to students focused on competitive exams. - Criticism of Integrated Coaching
Gayetri Devi, secretary of the Karnataka ICSE Schools’ Association, calls the integrated coaching trend a “gimmick” that adds undue pressure on students. She attributes the transition to a lack of awareness about the benefits of ISC’s curriculum. - Mixed Feedback from Schools
A CBSE school principal acknowledges the shift is primarily due to coaching needs but also notes that CBSE remains popular for national exam preparation, creating a balancing act for parents and students.
Numbers in Perspective
In 2024:
- CBSE Class 10: 83,787 students took exams in the Bengaluru region (Karnataka).
- CBSE Class 12: 20,993 students appeared.
- ICSE Final-Year Exams: 27,779 students participated.
- ISC Exams: Only 2,352 students took the exams.
Challenges Ahead
While the PU system continues to attract students, experts warn about the growing influence of the coaching industry. Critics argue that the “herd mentality” driving the trend could overshadow the long-term benefits of central board education, particularly for national and international aspirations.
For more updates, visit the official PU Board website.
