Thursday 2 June 2011

5% hike in engg engineering cap in Karnataka: Do we need it? Now?

This year, 60,543 candidates are eligible for engineering seats in the state, against the 71,639 last year. That is because the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has revised the eligibility slab for aggregate marks in Science subjects from 45% to 50%.
While the revision has its own benefits, it would hit the colleges hard, besides denying a huge lot of students the chance to pursue an engineering course. It also comes when some of the not-so-popular engineering colleges in the state are struggling with vacancies.
Questioning the AICTE move, the Gujarat government has petitioned the court against it. The court judgment would apply to all states but its timing is important since the Karnataka CET counselling date has been fixed and is around the corner. At this juncture, DNA seeks the opinion of the people concerned on the slab revision
This is the way forward
Manjula RamanIPrincipal, Army Public School
I would call it a good move. It, in fact, propagates quality in education. Everyone says that we need to provide students with equal opportunities, but we need to realise that equality need to be accompanied with excellence that we totally lack in our system. Engineering is not the only thing, there are splendid opportunities now for even Arts and Humanities graduates. This AICTE move would make students to explore other prospective options and courses. It would lead to overall development of the economy by spreading students across all courses. Engineers would be fewer and of better quality. This is the way forward for our country. It will also motivate our students to perform better by taking that extra effort. But I feel that this norm should have been implemented after the students were made well aware of it so that they would have been prepared.
It’s a welcome move
Santosh KattiILecturer, PES Institute of Technology
I welcome the 5% increase in the eligibility cap for the general and reservation categories. A student who wants to pursue an engineering course couldn't have scored below 50% in Class 12. The AICTE move will surely help filter students and is more than welcome. On the other hand, those who have lost the chance of pursuing an engineering course needn't feel sad. They can opt for equally-competitive courses like Computer Applications, Business Management, Diploma (Engg) from a polytechnic, NTTF and GTTC. Admission numbers may go down, but that will be only for this academic year. The number of students coming out with better percentages will surely increase in the coming years. I would like to quote the example of Ramya who secured the first Rank in CET (Medical). She said that she would like to pursue a course in Basic Sciences at the IISc. My advice for the non-eligible candidates is that they should always keep their options open in this competitive world.
Look at other options
Ravi KiranIEngineering student
I am aware of the new AICTE norm and I feel it's good. One needs to understand that pursuing an engineering course is not that easy and people are not going to be successful if they don't have a passion for it and work hard. Also, the students who are weak in studies must realise that engineering is not the only available and prospective option. I don't understand why is this craze for engineering courses, when the other courses too offer equal opportunities. There are sundry courses available to all kinds of students and a good student can shine anywhere if s/he has the interest. Courses don't matter, how you go about it does. AICTE just feels that students who aspire to become engineers but are poor scorers may not fit into it.
Would hit colleges hard
KR VenugopalIPrincipal, UVCE

It simply means that only the good students will get into the engineering colleges. But the feasibility of running an engineering college will come down… seats will fall vacant. There are already a huge number of vacant engineering seats in the state colleges. Since the tuition fees have not been hiked, the colleges would find it hard to pay the teachers. The processing fees have been increased, which means the students will have to shell out more. The AICTE should have considered all aspects of it before implementing the change. There should not be a lag anywhere. It should make sure that the students and the college managements are benefited evenly.
Not this year, please
Priya SarkarIClass 12 student
It is absolutely fine to increase the eligibility percentage. If you are aiming to take any subject you must have at least 50% of academic knowledge on it. Similarly, if one wishes to pursue engineering they must have scored at least 50% in the subjects that are associated with engineering— like physics, chemistry and mathematics. But I also feel that this norm should be implemented only next year, because some might not have concentrated on their Board exams as they would have concentrated more on the entrances. So, if it is in effect from next year, people will know what to expect and prepare accordingly.
Students stand to lose
John PanikulamIEngineering graduate
I partially agree with the increase because it gives us a rough idea on where to segregate the students based on their marks. Plus I am sure it must have come in the wake of engineering colleges admitting the students who have scored less marks by taking money. This is not only wrong but reduces the standard of education in the country. As per the current trend, the students have become competitive and therefore obtaining such marks are not that difficult if one is really interested in studying. Therefore, I welcome such a change. But the downside of revising the eligibility slab is that it would also deny seats to some students who might be really interested in pursing a technical course. Students can cope up with the ever-demanding technical education if s/he can cope up with the senior secondary level of education.

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