Haveri: Karnataka Folklore University, located at Gotagodi in Shiggaon taluk, has recorded an unusual academic trend in the 2025–26 session, with PhD registrations outnumbering postgraduate admissions, according to official data.Figures show that only 146 students enrolled across six postgraduate departments, while as many as 177 candidates registered for doctoral programmes, signalling a notable shift in the university’s academic profile. Postgraduate admissions have been steadily declining over the past two years, even as research enrolment gains momentum.Over this period, intake into PG programmes has dropped significantly, with enrolment in some departments failing to reach double digits. The university now has more PhD scholars than PG students on its rolls.In 2024, the university admitted 190 students to various postgraduate courses. However, in the current academic year, the number has fallen to 146. Of the total PhD strength, 127 candidates belong to the new batch, while 50 are from the previous cohort, taking the total number of research scholars to 177. So far, 27 candidates have successfully completed their doctoral studies and graduated.Higher education experts attribute this trend to evolving dynamics in the academic job market. They point out that in fields such as humanities, anthropology and indigenous language studies, a doctoral qualification is increasingly becoming the minimum requirement for securing stable teaching positions.“A general master’s degree in a niche field like folklore offers limited opportunities in the corporate sector,” a senior academic analyst said. “As a result, most students entering this discipline are inclined towards careers in research, preservation of cultural heritage, or academia, where a PhD is essential to meet eligibility norms for professorships.”A worrying sign has also emerged across several key departments, where student intake in 2025 has slipped to single-digit figures.Quote: We are trying to increase PG enrolment at our university. Due to a lack of placements after PG, students have not come forward to be admitted. But huge demand for PhD – Prof TM Bhaskar, vice-chancellor, Karnataka Folklore UniversityDepartment-wise admissionsVisual Arts (Painting): 9 studentsPerforming Arts: 7 studentsWomen’s Studies: 6 studentsKannada and Folklore: 5 studentsFolklore Literature Studies: 5 studentsFolklore Arts Studies: 4 studentsFolklore Science Studies: 3 students
