Polytechnic is basically a vocational course that provides its students with the knowledge of all the technical know-how and practical hands-on training in various fields of study. It can be seen as an alternative to academic education which is usually just theoretical and is designed for students who intend to pursue professions like engineering, trade, and computer sciences or any other jobs like plumbing and carpentry.
These courses usually last for three years and are divided into six semesters. All the subjects that are of a technical nature can be covered by these courses. Some of the subjects are mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering, technical drawing, and computer sciences. This article provides you with all the details that are necessary to know for students who intend to enrol themselves in one of the polytechnic courses.
Differences Between BTech and Polytechnic Courses
The main difference between Polytechnic and BTech is that the former is a diploma course and the latter is a degree course. BTech courses last for four years while Polytechnic is usually for three hours. BTech is also more expensive than Polytechnic in terms of fee structure.
| Point Of Difference | Polytechnic | BTech |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Course | Diploma | Degree |
| Duration | 3 years | 4 years |
| Fee | Less expensive | More expensive |
Also read: India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2024 Out @indiapostgdsonline.gov.in
Types of Polytechnic Courses Offered in India
Several types of polytechnic courses are offered in India in many fields that require practical knowledge and training that help them get the necessary experience and last for a maximum of three years. Some of these diploma courses dealing with subjects of engineering are civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science and engineering, electronics and communication engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, and automobile engineering. Other diplomas include pharmacy, nursing, education, hotel management, agriculture, fashion designing, mass communication, technical and other vocational jobs like welding, and carpentry.
Eligibility Criteria for Polytechnic Courses
The students who intend to enrol themselves on any of the polytechnic courses must ensure that they pass the following eligibility requirements before taking admission.
- The student must be Indian.
- The student must have completed 10+2 or any other exam equivalent to it.
- The candidates should have at least 40% marks in the qualifying examinations conducted. The minimum percentage will change depending on the institute the candidate is applying to.
- In most cases, Mathematics, Science, and English are the subjects that are compulsory for application into the diploma courses.
The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the institute the candidate is applying for. Hence, they are advised to check the eligibility criteria on the official website of the institutes before applying,
| Particulars | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Qualification | 10+2 |
| Minimum Marks | 40% in the qualifying exams (depending on the institutes) |
| Compulsory Subjects | Maths, Science and English |
Polytechnic Entrance Exams Conducted by States
Different Polytechnic entrance exams are conducted by the States of India for those students who intend to get admitted into institutions that offer diploma courses. Some of these exams are the Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Tests (POLYCET), the Bihar Diploma-Certificate Entrance Competitive Examination (DCECE), the Joint entrance exam Council of Uttar Pradesh (JEECUP), the Jammu & Kashmir Polytechnic Entrance Test (JKPET), the Arunachal Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination (APJEE), the Madhya Pradesh Pre-Polytechnic Test (MP PPT), Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (TS POLYCET), Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test (HP PAT), the Assam Polytechnic Admission Test (PAT), the Chhattisgarh Pre-Polytechnic Test (CG PPT), and the Jharkhand Polytechnic Entrance Competitive Examination (PECE).
Process of Admission for Polytechnic Courses
The process of admission for the polytechnic courses includes three phases, registration, the issue of admit cards for entrance examination, and the counselling process for qualified students.
Also read: NTA Exam Calendar 2025 Release Soon, Exam Dates, Pattern
Registration Process
The candidates who intend to register for any of the polytechnic courses must remember the following points while registering themselves in any of the polytechnic courses.
- In order to apply for admission to any of the institutes that offer polytechnic diplomas, the candidate must fill in and submit the application form [tovided by the authorities on time.
- The application will have to be filled with credentials like the personal, academic and contact information of the candidate. They also have to attach their photograph and signature along with the form.
- A fee for application will also be charged.
- The application form will be different depending on the course picked by the candidate.
Issue of Admit Cards
The admit cards for the entrance examinations conducted by the States will have the dates of the examination, the time and location of the examination centre and the rules that have to be obeyed by the candidates on the exam day. It will also have the candidate’s name, roll number, birth date, signature and photograph of the candidate. The candidates must ensure the details printed on the admit cards are similar to their original details. The authorities must be notified in case of any differences.
Counselling Process
The candidates who pass the entrance examination will then be called to take part in the counselling process in which the seats will be allocated as per merit, availability, and preferences.
Top 10 Institutes Offering Polytechnic Courses
Following is a list of of the top 10 institutes that are offering Polytechnic diploma courses along with their course fees.
| Polytechnic Institutes | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| IIT Madras | INR 14,000 |
| ICT Mumbai | INR 45,000 |
| Jamia Milia Islamia University Delhi | INR 26,970 |
| Amity University Noida | INR 3,60,000 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | INR 5,68,710 |
| Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute Mumbai | INR 33,675 |
| Mukesh Patel School of Technology, Management, and Engineering | INR 19,00,000 |
| Lovely Professional University Jalandhar | INR 3,00,000 |
| Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology | INR 85,200 |
| Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology Bangalore | INR 1,50,000 |
Also read: CBSE Exam Dates 2025 for Class 10th & 12th: Practical & Theory Exam Dates
Conclusion
Polytechnic courses open a wide range of opportunities for the unemployed youth. After completing the diplomas, a candidate may get recruited by companies like Railways, Indian Army, ONGC, DRDO, BHEL, GAIL, etc for junior positions like technicians. Manufacturing or construction companies may also hire diploma holders in the private sector, while self-employment always remains another favourable option. It will also help you get a lateral admission to BTech or BE. The candidates may also consider going for the AIME certification which is equal to a degree in BE. Candidates belonging to a non-engineering background may also go for a UG degree in their field.
