AICTE Withdraws 'Futuristic' Handbook Which Paved Way For Maths, Physics Becoming Optional For Engineering Admission

The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) on Friday (12 March) clarified that the changes making mathematics and physics at Class XII-level as optional for admission to engineering courses were not binding on institutions.

This clarification was released after many media outlets have reported that mathematics and physics at Class XII-level had been made optional for admission to engineering courses.

The AICTE withdrew its approval process handbook (APH) for 2021-22, which had the new eligibility criteria, reports The Times of India.

AICTE chairperson Anil Sahasrabudhe said the new guidelines were futuristic and in keeping with the vision of the National Education Policy-2020.

According to the AICTE’s approval process handbook for 2021-22 which has been withdrawn for “typographical corrections,” students only need to score 45 per cent in any three subjects from a list of 14 in order to qualify. The diverse list includes Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronics, Information Technology, Biology, Informatics Practices, Biotechnology, Agriculture, technical vocational subject, Engineering Graphics, Business Studies and Entrepreneurship.

The AICTE move had drawn mixed reaction with both appreciation and criticism.

“In principle, making Class XII-level maths and physics physics optional for engineering admissions is a good move. It will keep the entry open for someone who wants to correct his or her path,” said Sandeep Sancheti, former vice chancellor of SRM Institute of Science and Technology.