UGC recognises computer-based programmes offered by CBSE

The UGC has recognised Computer science and two other subjects offered by the Central Board of Secondary Education, directing varsity heads to consider scores in those subjects while offering admissions.

A UGC directive on Wednesday said varsities should calculate the agrigates of scores in computer science, informatics practices, multimedia and web technology of CBSE students to determine if they qualify for admission.

Instructing that the three courses should be treated as computer-based subjects, the UGC asked Vice Chancellors to take “appropriate action to recognise these new subjects for the purpose of admission of students in degree programmes.”

Taught as part of regular science subjects for Class XI and XII students, universities did not consider scores in the three subjects while offering admission to students from the CBSE stream. The UGC directive came three months after CBSE’s request to the higher education regulator to recognise the subjects.

“These subjects involve 70 percent marks for theory and 30 percent marks for practical work in the board examination. All the three courses are regular academic computer-based subjects,” CBSE joint secretary DT Sudershan Rao stated in his letter to the UGC on August twelve.

He said CBSE schools offer the three courses under academic stream with curriculum specifications compatible with “major subjects in science.”

“For the purpose of admission to undergraduate courses, the three courses may be treated as computer-based subjects,” Rao stated in his letter.