Last year only 3,000 students out of 1.69 lakh admitted in convenor quota scored less than 50 %
The new norms applicable from the academic year 2011-12 have been posted on ACITE website
Aimed at ensuring minimum standards are maintained in engineering and technical courses
HYDERABAD: Students are not worried over the new norm that they have to obtain a minimum of 50 per cent marks in Intermediate examination to stake claim in engineering courses.
Last year, among the 1.69 lakh students admitted in the Convenor quota less than 3,000 students had score of less than 50 per cent in the Intermediate. Even in the 50,000 odd seats under the management quota and in minority colleges the number of such students is not much.
Similar, figures are expected this year too as securing 50 per cent a no big deal these days. Engineering colleges too are happy that they will not lose much with the new norms.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) from the year 2011-2012 had made 50 per cent marks in core subjects mandatory for students to study technical and professional courses. However, it is 45 per cent for the reserved categories.
AICTE Chairman S.S. Mantha said that the new norms applicable from the academic year 2011-12 have been posted on its website. “The norm existed earlier also but it was more like a guideline. Since many States were not following it we have decided to make it mandatory,” he said. He argues that minimum standards have to be maintained in engineering and technical courses.
The AICTE feels not more than 10 per cent were actually getting employed in the industry and this is being attributed to poor standards and easy availability of engineering seats due to sudden spurt in engineering colleges. Several schemes like fee reimbursement and scholarships had brought the professional course closer to students, who were studying it due to pressure from parents.
“After Indian engineering graduates made their mark at international level we have to consolidate and send quality students to keep country’s image at the International level. The 50 per cent norm will help as students with some aptitude for engineering will only get to study,” an official said.
Clarification sought
Meanwhile, the Government has sought a clarification from AICTE on its new norm.
“There is some ambiguity on the issue. We want to know whether it is applicable for States where entrance marks are being considered for admission,” the APSCHE Chairman, P. Jaya Prakash Rao said.
Source: The Hindu