Ludhiana, July 2 -- As college admission season picks up pace, many students are grappling with confusion and frustration over the limited subject combinations available at government colleges. Despite securing high marks and qualifying on merit, several students say they are unable to find courses aligned with what they studied in school or wish to pursue, and feel compelled to settle for unwanted subjects.

A student seeking admission at SCD Government College said that while the state's online admission portal lists all possible subject combinations, the ground reality is starkly different. "When we visit colleges, the subjects we want just aren't offered," the student said.

The problem is not isolated. A student from Arya College sai...