Math, Physics, and Chemistry Not Needed for B. E. and B. Tech Anymore

Mar 13, 2021

AICTE announced that now students having different subject combinations can apply for the engineering (B. E., and B. Tech) courses. They do not necessarily need to have math, physics, and chemistry in their 10+2. 

Till now, the candidates were expected to study math, physics, and chemistry compulsorily to get a B. E. or B. Tech. degrees. For JEE Main and Advanced, these 3 subjects are mandatory. Making these subjects optional, AICTE releases new regulations and subject combinations. 

Highlights of the New Regulation

  • To take engineering courses, Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM) are not compulsory anymore
  • Instead, students need to any 3 of the following subjects in their 10+2:

new subject list

  • A minimum of 45% marks in the qualifying exam for Unreserved Candidates (40% for the reserved categories)
  • Take bridge courses along with their field of study
  • PCM is completely optional for the undergraduate technical courses on agriculture engineering,  biotechnology, textile, and others
  • Core engineering subjects like mechanical and computer engineering will require PCM
  • Only 7-8 core engineering degrees will require physics and math mandatorily 
  • Medicine students are eligible to study engineering

Online Maths Tutoring

Anil Sahasrabudhe, AICTE chairperson mentioned all these on the virtual release of handbook 2020-2021. He added that this policy is in line with National Education Policy (NEP). These updates are mentioned in the handbook itself. 

The technical universities will offer bridge courses on engineering drawing, math, physics, and others to the students who have not studied math, chemistry, and physics in their high schools. These courses will help the students to meet the learning outcomes of the courses properly. 

Why Such A Change In Admission Policies? 

This new education plan is aimed to offer flexibility to the students and it is also aligned with the National Education Policy of India. Students can now choose a better career path. 

According to the AICTE Chairperson, this policy is not merely making PCM optional – rather, it is a way of expanding the subject options. By this policy, AICTE is just categorizing different subjects for different engineering courses

Previously, the authorities faced many weird questions like “what is the need of studying chemistry mandatorily when it will not be required in an engineering degree and rest of the career?” this is another reason behind such an update. 

Controversy

As soon as this news is released, there was a controversy. As per the latest media report, the announcement may have some changes as mathematics is an integral part of any engineering course. 

It is also believed that the quality of engineers may have some impact due to this major change in the admission policy. 

Previously candidates with existing knowledge of maths, physics, and chemistry come to engineering which makes their study relevant. Now the candidates from diverse backgrounds will join the engineering programs and they may struggle to get the concepts too. 

This change is definitely notable but this change is something extraordinary as it breaks an age-old rule. Now, it is to be seen how the new policy is executed and how the students react to this policy. 

Summary

Physics, chemistry, and math are the primary requirements to study B. E. or B. Tech, but AICTE recently published an expanded list of subjects. Studying any 3 subjects among the list at the high school level will make the candidates eligible for most of the engineering courses.  

Rachita

Rachita is a content writer with 5+ years of hands-on experience. She is one of those lucky ones who can convert their passion into a full-time profession. Apart from writing, she is a music lover and an amateur guitarist who is always trying for bettering her skills from online lessons. She is a foodie with an intense love for desserts. 

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