The UGC decision came in response to a request from the CBSE, which highlighted that students in certain colleges should study mathematics as a subject in senior secondary school.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities to consider applied mathematics as equivalent to mathematics for grade 12 students when calculating total marks for admission to undergraduate courses in humanities and commerce.
The UGC’s directive came after a CBSE request that some universities make it compulsory for students to study mathematics as a subject at the senior secondary level for admission to undergraduate courses in economics, commerce and social sciences.
“The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched an Applied Mathematics course for students in Class 11 and 12. The subject involves 80 per cent marks for theory and 20 per cent marks for practical work in board examinations. The subject is offered under Academic Stream and others. The curriculum is consistent with the main themes, “UGC secretary Rajneesh Jain said in a letter to the vice-chancellors.
He said this subject is a regular academic subject. “The marks obtained by the candidates in this regard can be included for calculating the total marks for determining the eligibility for admission.
Therefore, when calculating the total marks for admission in humanities and commerce courses other than pure science, applied mathematics can be considered as equivalent to mathematics, ”said Jain.
The commission has asked the universities to take appropriate measures for the recognition of new subjects – Applied Mathematics – for the admission of students in degree programs.
CBSE has introduced Applied Mathematics as Academic Elective in addition to the existing Mathematics subjects offered by the Board.
The course was originally introduced to enhance the required mathematical skills and knowledge in the social sciences, humanities, commerce, accounting and other alignment fields.
The board noted that the subject would be beneficial for students who want to pursue higher education in social sciences, commerce, fine arts and biology.
“It has been noticed that some universities make it compulsory for students to take mathematics at senior secondary level for admission in undergraduate courses in economics, commerce and social sciences,” CBSE told UGC in a statement. Other courses are being requested to consider new applied math courses equivalent to the existing CBSE math course for admission in higher studies, ”the board recently told the commission.
(PTI)