Maths, physics, chemistry becomes optional for engineering admissions: AICTE

In a major change in the eligibility criteria for engineering courses, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) — the technical education regulator — has made Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) optional for students who wish to pursue technical courses like biotechnology, textile or agriculture engineering at the undergraduate level. However, PCM remains mandatory for most engineering subjects like computer science.

In a virtual release of the handbook Friday, AICTE chairperson Anil Sahasrabudhe said the revised regulation is in line with the National



Education Policy (NEP) vision that encourages flexibility in the choice of subjects. “In 2010, AICTE made only physics and maths mandatory for nearly seven to eight subjects. We have been facing challenges as new disciplines have emerged where many students questioned why they have to study chemistry when they don’t use it in their entire career. Similarly, many students demanded to study biology as they need to pursue biotechnology. Therefore, we are creating a new window for students who have either not taken maths or physics or chemistry but can enter into engineering,” Sahasrabudhe said.