Bengaluru: St Joseph’s University fined ₹4 lakh for violating seat, course norms

One of Bengaluru’s well-established and reputed colleges, St Joseph’s University has been fined ₹4 lakh by the Karnataka government. The university reportedly introduced over 20 new undergraduate courses and admitted more than 500 students over the permitted intake  all without prior government approval.

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Among the unapproved courses were popular science combinations like B.Sc in Chemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, also B.Com (from 120 to 510), BBA (from 200 to 304), and BCA (from 66 to 184) without approval. 20+ new courses were introduced without permission.The university had also launched six postgraduate diploma courses again without following the required procedure as well. 

As per state higher education rules, private universities must seek formal permission before expanding seat count or adding courses. While general inspections happen every three years, such academic changes need clearance from the Higher Education Council which sends an expert committee to evaluate the proposal.

In this case the committee found that the university had overstepped its limits and recommended a penalty. The total student strength at the university reportedly crossed 10,000 which also raised questions about infrastructure, faculty availability and compliance with academic standards

The university has been asked to apply for approval of the extra seats and new courses, it added. Officials said this fine should remind all private universities to follow proper rules. The main goal is to make sure student numbers match the college’s ability to provide quality education. If rules are ignored again stricter action may follow.