Transforming Empty Halls: UP Colleges To Launch Job-Oriented Courses In Vacant Hostels

Uttar Pradesh’s higher education department has ordered unused college hostels to be used for job-oriented courses from the 2026-27 academic session. The move covers government and aided degree colleges, where several women’s and men’s hostels have remained vacant for years.

The department has also allowed colleges to set up libraries and laboratories in these buildings. Officials said the aim is to stop public assets from falling into disrepair. The spaces will now support courses linked to student demand and current job needs.

UP college hostels to host job-oriented courses

Principals of all government and aided degree colleges have been directed to prepare plans. They can begin new employment-linked courses after approval from the higher education department. Colleges may also expand laboratory facilities and open new libraries for students where needed.

Uttar Pradesh has 331 aided degree colleges and 200 government degree colleges. Around 50 colleges have vacant hostels, while many buildings have become weak due to poor upkeep. Officials said continued vacancy amounts to waste of government funds.

The department said these hostels were built for students but lost use over time. Low student interest in hostel accommodation left many buildings empty. Their fresh use is expected to support students through new academic and skill-based options.

Dr. Anil Mishra, president of the Principal Council Uttar Pradesh, supported the decision. “It would be better if the government also gives some funds for hostel repairs. This initiative of the higher education department is good,” Dr. Anil Mishra said.

Dr. Anil Mishra cited PPN College in Kanpur and Baba Raghav Das College in Deoria as examples. Hostels in these colleges are lying vacant. Similar buildings exist in other colleges because students have not shown interest in living there.

UP college hostels and job-oriented courses need repairs

Orders have been sent to all government and aided degree colleges regarding the plan. The department wants the buildings to be used better from the new academic session. Repair needs may become a key issue before classes can begin.

Meanwhile, IIT Kanpur has launched a Bachelor of Cyber Security course to train students against cyber fraud and hacking. The four-year programme will begin in July. It will not use JEE Advanced rank as the main admission route.

Admission will be based on JEE Main scores, a written test and a hackathon. Candidates will first be shortlisted through JEE Main marks and earlier work in cyber security. Shortlisted students must then attend tests at the IIT Kanpur campus.

The institute said demand for cyber security experts has grown in the digital age. Rising cases of cyber fraud and hacking have created a need for trained professionals. Students who qualify in the campus test and hackathon will get admission.

The two decisions focus on employability through different routes. Uttar Pradesh colleges will reuse vacant hostels for job-linked learning. IIT Kanpur will offer specialised cyber security training through a separate admission process starting with JEE Main scores.