Passionate about coding and developing games and wish to be the next talk of the town? But, as you type your query of “can I study engineering without maths” or “can I pursue software engineering without maths” into the Google search space, the web tells you that you should not. The wrong decisions of grades 11th and 12th come to haunt you and regret takes the front seat. Adding to the debate of whether or not maths is required for engineering, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) guidelines for 2022-23 make maths optional to apply for one-third of the engineering courses out there, including,
- Agriculture Engineering
- Architecture
- Biotechnology
- Fashion Technology
- Pharmaceutical Engineering, etc.
However, maths not being an essential part of engineering does not make sense. Especially when talking about Computer Science and Software Engineering, without maths! From a young age, we are told how maths and science are key to unlocking the universe. A basic foundation of Maths, Chemistry, and Physics is deemed important for specialisations in computer science and software engineering.
But dreams of pursuing a career in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning require mathematics as a foundational course. Subsequently, professors, parents, and career counsellors emphasise opting for maths, physics, and chemistry as core electives if students aim to pursue engineering in the future. Non-Medical becomes the opted stream for Indian students during their 11th-12th studies.
Software Engineering Eligibility in India
Imagine, it is a bright Monday morning and you are ready to start the week on a high note. You read the news about the booming Software-IT industry and decide to become a part of it. Or, over the last year, coding and gaming have become your passion and you have spent hours self-learning programming languages. Because why not? The web is overflowing with resources for self-learning! So, you sit down to search whether you are eligible to pursue software engineering or not. But, the trick is that you wish to be a programmer now but have spent the last 2 years studying either humanities or commerce. Essentials of Maths and Physics were not your electives.
In your search result, Google tells you that a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with a specialisation in Software Engineering is impossible without Maths. Why so? It is because the under the guidelines of the statutory government body All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE), students are required to score a minimum 35% average in all subjects of Class 12, and 45% in three subjects to qualify for engineering admission, with Maths and Physics as mandatory subjects for Computer Science and Software Engineering.
Student Aspirations for Software Engineering
However, the 21st century is the hotspot for computer science and engineering graduates. The Software-IT industry is booming with job opportunities, and the high CTC value attracts aspiring software engineering professionals. But, we cannot deny that many students become aware of real-world opportunities after finishing school. We spend years pursuing paths that have no set destinations.
With subject choices such as Commerce without maths, Medical students studying biology and chemistry, and Humanities students with History and Political Science, students fail to clear the engineering eligibility criteria. The question arises, “Can I pursue Software Engineering without Maths?” Because there’s no way back! Students often realise their dreams and aspirations well into college. Too many years have been invested now in pursuing degrees that are now deemed useless. What do we do?
Software Engineering Without Maths in India
Software Engineering is more about problem-solving and analytical skills rather than maths knowledge. Many software engineers develop expertise in programming languages that don’t require deep mathematical knowledge and focus on reasoning and problem-solving. Software engineering incorporates creating user interfaces that require more creativity than mathematical calculations.
Hence, to finally answer the question of whether or not you can pursue a degree in software product engineering without maths, we’d like to tell you that YES, YOU CAN! However, while you may be eligible to become a Software Engineer without maths as an elective during 12th grade, it is not recommended. Yes, you may be fluent in programming languages. You might have become a coder by self-learning, but there are certain shortcomings. It is true that various engineering graduates work for decades, and excel, in the field of software development without any dominating coding skill sets.
What’s the Final Verdict?
Well, to summarise, you are eligible to pursue software engineering without maths being an elective during your secondary school education. However, maths is an essential part of coding and developing software programmes. You will have to study maths during your undergraduate and henceforth. You’ll be expected to perform calculations to deliver results.
So my friend, if you are someone who struggles with maths terribly, we advise you to not pursue the world of software engineering without maths as an elective. But if you are all for the hustle and bustle of the software world and don’t mind running the extra mile to hone your maths skills, then you are welcome to the world of app development and software programming! No matter which side you choose, the world is booming with opportunities for all.
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