Determinants of Pass Percentage of Students in Aided Private Degree Colleges: Evidence for Karnataka

This paper provides empirical evidence and policy implications for determinants of pass percentage of students (or students' performance) in aided private degree colleges in Karnataka State (India) from 1991-92 to 1997-98. The 113 sample aided colleges are grouped under different management and determinants are estimated using cross-section, pooled regression and panel data models. The estimation results show both similarities and differences in the nature and magnitude of the determinants and pooling of data between management and estimation models. For instance; regardless of the nature of estimation and the management of colleges, the impact of grants-in-aid (through student-teacher ratio) on the pass percentage of students is found to be statistically insignificant. Apart from lhe college-specific effects, whether a college offers the aided cources or aided and unaided courses makes a remarkable difference in the students' performance. These results indicate, among others, the need for a (i) reconsideration of the current and future GlA policy in the State and (ii) greater role for college management in determining and improving the students' performance in the aided colleges.