Parents' guide: questions to ask before choosing a college
Twelve practical questions to ask any college before you pay the admission fee, and how to check the answers yourself.
26 Oct 2026 · 3 min read
Check affiliation and approvals, the exact course and its eligibility, who will teach, the labs and library, safety and anti-ragging measures, transport, and the full cost in writing. Visit the campus and talk to current students.
Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. Brochures and advertisements all look confident, and every college says it is the right one. The best protection is to ask clear questions and check the answers. Here are twelve we would ask if we were choosing for our own children, including at our own college.
About the course
1. Is the college affiliated to a university, and is this course approved? Ask which university awards the degree. For Arts and Science colleges in Malappuram this is usually the University of Calicut. You can check the list of affiliated colleges and their approved courses on the University website.
2. What is the exact name of the degree? Names matter. "B.Sc Cyber Security (Honours)" is a university degree; a "diploma in cyber security" is not the same thing.
3. Is my child eligible? Each course has subject requirements at Plus Two. Ask the college to check your child's mark sheet before you apply, not after.
4. How long is the course, and what are the exit options? Under the current 3+1 system, students can leave with a degree after three years or stay a fourth year for Honours.
About teaching
5. Who will teach, and how many students are in a class? Ask about the department's teachers and their qualifications. Smaller classes usually mean more attention for each student.
6. How is progress tracked, and how are parents told? Ask about attendance alerts, internal exams, mentoring and parent meetings.
About facilities and student life
7. What will my child actually use every day? Look at the labs, library, classrooms and internet access yourself, rather than relying on photographs.
8. What happens outside class? Clubs, NSS, sports and events build confidence and friendships. Ask what ran in the last year, not what is planned.
About safety and wellbeing
9. What are the safety measures? Ask about CCTV, security staff, women's facilities and who students can approach with a problem.
10. Is there an active Anti-Ragging Committee? Every college must have one under UGC rules. Ask who its members are and how a complaint is made.
About practical matters
11. How will my child travel? Ask about bus routes, timings and the cost. A long, tiring journey affects studies more than most families expect.
12. What is the full cost, in writing? Ask for every fee for every year: tuition, university fees, exam fees, transport and any other charges. A written list avoids surprises later.
How to check the answers
- Visit in person, on a working day if you can, and walk around without a guide for a few minutes.
- Talk to current students and their parents. They will tell you what the brochure does not.
- Check the university website for affiliation and course approval.
- Read recent social media posts from the college to see what is really happening.
A note from us
We would rather families ask these questions than choose in a hurry. If you would like to visit Vedavyasa College of Arts and Science, see the labs and meet our teachers, contact us and we will arrange a time that suits you.