Article by @Harmanjot Kaur, Content Writer, Chandigarh University
Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are considered the bedrock of engineering education. The benchmark for admission into any engineering institute is to study PCM in the 12th standard. However, the recent update in the AICTE guidelines is revolutionary. The All India Council for Technical Education has come up with a significant change and has stated that “Maths and Physics” in class 12 is no longer mandatory for BE, BTech admissions. They have made Maths and Physics subjects optional for getting admission in different engineering courses. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Council Chairperson at AICTE defended the changes on 12th March, saying they are aligned with the multidisciplinary approach of the New Education Policy.
Until now, Class-12 level Maths and Physics subjects are compulsory for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the engineering and technology courses. The latest rule-book 2021-22 approved by the AICTE has changed the eligibility criteria for Undergraduate admissions in different engineering courses. The academic year 2021-22 will see considerable changes and students from diverse backgrounds will be eligible to take four-year BE, B.Tech courses offered by AICTE colleges and institutions.
NEW ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENTS
Eligibility for taking admission in engineering courses is as follows:
Students have to pass 12th standard with any of the three following subjects:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Agriculture
- Engineering Graphics
- Business Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Information Technology
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Electronics and IT
- Technical Vocational Subject
- Biotechnology
- Information Practices.
Aspiring candidates have to score 45% marks( for reserved category students, the basic criterion is 40% marks) in the above subjects taken together. The AICTE universities will provide relevant bridge courses in subjects like Maths, Physics, and Engineering Drawing for students coming from divergent backgrounds to fulfil the learning outcomes of the programme and to make it seamless for students to understand the concepts.
This transition opens the path for students from medicine and commerce as well as vocational backgrounds to different BE and BTech courses. Students who have passed a three-year diploma course can also apply for the degree course. On the other hand, students who do not have mathematics and physics as their background will be provided with a “suitable bridge course”.
Wide Opportunities
As per the Council Chairperson, this move is beneficial in promoting multi-disciplinarity. This flexibility will bring expertise from diverse areas and that will be valuable for creating new opportunities.