Kolhan University: Girls dominate postgraduate studies, making up 69% of enrolled students

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: Kolhan University, located in the tribal-dominated region of Chaibasa, is witnessing a remarkable rise in the participation of girl students in higher education. According to the university’s latest data, girls constitute an impressive 69% of the total enrolment in postgraduate (PG) courses, while boys account for only 31%.

Out of the 3,206 students currently pursuing PG studies at the university, 2,204 are girls, compared to just 1,002 boys. This trend highlights a significant shift towards greater female participation in higher education, particularly in a region known for its tribal heritage.

Focus on inclusivity and tribal representation

Kolhan University has been a key player in promoting education among underprivileged and marginalized communities. A staggering 89% of the students enrolled in PG courses belong to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Class (OBC) categories, while only 11% are from the general category.

Dr. P. Siyal, Registrar of Kolhan University, stated, “The higher number of girl students in PG courses aligns with the university’s mission to provide educational opportunities to tribal and underprivileged students. This demonstrates the success of our efforts to make higher education accessible and meaningful for all.”

The data further reveals that 88% of the students pursuing PG at Kolhan University hail from Jharkhand, amounting to 2,819 students, while 12% (387 students) have come from other states.

Shift in gender dynamics from UG to PG

Interestingly, the gender dynamics differ between undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate courses. While boys outnumber girls at the UG level, the trend reverses in PG studies, with the number of male students declining every year and the number of female students steadily increasing.

Dr. Siyal emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment to encourage more students, especially girls, to pursue higher education. “The growing participation of girls in PG studies is a testament to the significance of Kolhan University’s establishment,” he added.

This shift not only reflects the changing societal attitudes towards girls’ education but also highlights the university’s role in empowering women and marginalized communities through accessible and inclusive higher education.