IMPACT OF ADMISSION MERIT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR NURSING COLLEGES IN PUNJAB

Abstract

Background: Admission merit is widely considered a key determinant of academic success in nursing education. However, variations in admission criteria and institutional environments between public and private sector nursing colleges may influence the strength of this relationship. Understanding how admission merit relates to academic performance across different institutional contexts is essential for improving selection policies and educational outcomes.

Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the influence of admission merit on academic performance and to compare academic outcomes between public and private sector nursing colleges in Punjab. The objectives were to assess differences in admission merit and academic performance between sectors and to determine the relationship between admission merit and academic performance.

Methodology: A comparative analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data obtained from 23 nursing colleges, including 10 public and 13 private sector institutions in Punjab. Admission closing merit percentages and academic performance results were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were computed, followed by independent samples t-tests to compare public and private sectors. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between admission merit and academic performance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Public sector nursing colleges demonstrated significantly higher mean admission merit and academic performance compared to private sector colleges (p < 0.001). A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was observed between admission merit and academic performance (r = 0.468, p = 0.024), indicating that higher entry merit was associated with better academic outcomes.

Conclusion: Admission merit significantly influences academic performance in nursing education, with public sector institutions showing superior outcomes. However, institutional factors also play a critical role, highlighting the need for balanced admission policies and strengthened academic support systems, particularly in private sector nursing colleges.