AICTE Withdraws 'Futuristic' Handbook Which Paved Way For Maths, Physics Becoming Optional For Engineering Admission A representative image The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) on Friday (12 March) clarified that the changes making mathematics and physics at Class XII-level as optional for admission to engineering courses were not binding on institutions. This clarification was released after many media outlets have reported that mathematics and physics at Class XII-level had been made optional for admission to engineering courses. The AICTE withdrew its approval process handbook (APH) for 2021-22, which had the new eligibility criteria, reports The Times of India. AICTE chairperson Anil Sahasrabudhe said the new guidelines were futuristic and in keeping with the vision of the National Education Policy-2020.