Keypoints:
- AICTE has stated that maths and physics will not be compulsory subjects for engineering aspirants from 2021-22.
- As of now, class 12-level maths and physics subjects are compulsory for undergraduate programme admissions in engineering and technology.
- Many are against the new proposals made by AICTE for upcoming academic year.
Recently, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has released its approval access handbook for the academic year 2021-22. In this handbook, it has stated that mathematics and physics will not be a compulsory subject for the students who will be persuing engineering.
According to the handbook, the students who are seeking admissions in the undergraduate engineering courses, need not have physics and mathematics as their core subjects in class 12.
Students who are seeking admissions to engineering colleges will have the freedom to choose any 3 subjects from the following:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Computer science
- Electronics and IT
- Information practices
- Technical vocational subject
- Biotechnology
- Agriculture
- Business studies
- Engineering
“Bridge course is a remedial course for those who are weak in Mathematics. It cannot replace higher secondary-level mathematics, which is a foundational course,” said S Vaidhyasubramaniam, vice-chancellor of SASTRA university.“Mathematics and physics have to be compulsory for all engineering courses,” he added.
However, chairman of AICTE, Anil D Sahasrabudhe said that, “It is not the question of optional. The choice of three mandatory courses required as input to engineering education are expanded, and hence for different disciplines there could be different three mandatory courses.”
“If a student without maths is admitted he will be required to do a lot of math courses in first year. Even earlier, direct second-year entrants from diploma holders needed extra maths courses. This will bring a lot of flexibility in line with National Education Policy and in the new system of 5+3+3+4, there would be no arts, science and commerce streams. But, still for understanding engineering, one will need maths, physics else a lot of bridge courses shall be required to come to the same level as those who have done physics and maths,” Shasrabudhe said.
Rita John, head, department of theoretical physics, Madras University and also a domain expert for physics, said: “Without physics and mathematics, the fundamental understanding of science will be very poor. Without a strong foundation in science, our future engineers will not be able to do proper engineering and it will adversely affect innovation.”
Anna University Vice-Chancellor M K Surappa said mathematics should remain a compulsory subject. “Maths is important for even programmes like biological engineering and biotechnology. Mathematical knowledge also helps students to be more analytical and creative,” he said.
