Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics not mandatory in Class 12 for Architecture admissions: AICTE

AICTE formed a committee of experts to make recommendations on admissions for which courses PCM can be made optional. The three courses have been chosen on the basis of the recommendations made by the committee. 

According to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approval process handbook 2022-23, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are no longer mandatory subjects for admission to undergraduate courses in architecture. PCM subjects in Class 12 will also not be mandatory for courses such as fashion technology and packaging technology. Last year, the Council announced that students who have not studied Physics, Chemistry or Maths (PCM) in Class 12 will be able to take admission to engineering and technology programmes. The announcement did not receive much appreciation. 

AICTE formed a committee of experts to make recommendations on admissions for which courses PCM can be made optional. The three courses have been chosen on the basis of the recommendations made by the committee. 

Students studying computer science, electronics, information technology, biology, informatics practices, biotechnology, technical vocational subject, agriculture, engineering graphics, business studies and entrepreneurship may take admission to the three courses. 

Two supernumerary seats reserved for COVID-orphaned children 

Two supernumerary seats per course have been reserved by AICTE for COVID-orphaned children covered under the 'PM CARES' scheme. 

 AICTE has also decided that two supernumerary seats per course will be reserved for COVID-orphaned children covered under the 'PM CARES' scheme in all affiliated polytechnic institutions from the upcoming academic session 2022-23. The reservation of two seats per course will not impact other children because institutes admitting students under this clause can increase their sanctioned intake capacity by two.

AICTE's new approval process booklet said, "Such children who are issued 'PM CARES certificate' shall be eligible for admission in polytechnic institutions under the supernumerary quota." All children below 18 years who lost both parents, surviving parent, legal guardian or adoptive parent due to COVID-19 between March 3, 2020, the date on which the WHO declared and characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and February 28, 2022.

"Two supernumerary seats shall be accorded by the AICTE in its approved institutions for empowering gifted and talented students to seek admissions against these seats, which will provide a motivating and unique opportunity for such students in line with NEP (National Education Policy) recommendations," the handbook said.

In a new addition, provisions have been made for additional seats for "gifted and talented" students in institutions approved by it.

"The AICTE shall devise norms for selection of gifted and talented students under supernumerary quota and final admission shall be approved by the AICTE," it added.

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