COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) is delaying the announcement regarding commencement of classes for students admitted to diploma courses in the current academic year, parents have alleged.

C Palanivel (name changed), a parent from Erode district, told TNIE that TNAU started diploma admissions on June 20 and conducted them in different stages, with the final stage on August 28.

"September has passed, yet TNAU has not announced when the diploma courses will begin for students who were admitted to various programmes for the 2025-2026 academic year. When contacted over phone, TNAU staff said they would inform about the reopening of colleges through email," he said.

He pointed out that classes for students who joined undergraduate courses for the current academic year have been conducted since September 12.

"But we do not know why TNAU officials are delaying the commencement of classes for diploma students without any reason. Students' time is being wasted," he alleged.

Sources said TNAU offers three diploma courses in agriculture, horticulture, and agricultural engineering, with a total of 1,240 seats. However, some seats are reportedly yet to be filled in constituent, government-aided and private affiliated colleges this academic year.

“Usually, classes for first-year students begin in September every year, but due to vacant seats, the commencement of classes has been delayed this year," sources added.

TNAU Dean (Agriculture) N Venkatesa Palanichamy told TNIE they have planned to conduct spot admissions for diploma courses, and classes for first-year students will begin soon.

However, when asked about the college reopening date and the vacancies, he refused to comment.