What is Polytechnic? Everything You Need to Know

What is a Polytechnic?

Polytechnic is a technical education system that provides students with practical, hands-on training in a specific field of study. It is an alternative to traditional academic education and is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in technical fields such as engineering, computer science, and trades such as carpentry and plumbing.

Polytechnic courses typically last for three years and are divided into six semesters. They cover various subjects, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and technical drawing. In addition to theoretical coursework, students also participate in practical training, learning how to apply their knowledge to real-world situations and projects. 

Polytechnic Vs B.Tech

Polytechnic

• Polytechnic is a diploma program
• Polytechnic courses are three years long

B.Tech

• B. Tech or Bachelor of Technology is a degree program 
• B. Tech is a 4-year program spread across 8 semesters

Also See: Btech Vs BSC

Polytechnic Courses List Available in India

In India, there are several types of polytechnic courses, and their list is available to students, which includes:

Engineering Diploma:

This is a three-year program that covers a wide range of engineering subjects, such as:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Automobile Engineering

The other types of diploma courses are:

1. Technical Diploma: This is a three-year program that focuses on specific technical skills, such as computer science, IT, and electronics.
2. Vocational Diploma: This is a short-term program that provides practical training in a specific trade, such as carpentry, plumbing, or welding.
3. Diploma in Pharmacy: This three-year program covers the principles of pharmacology and pharmaceutical science.
4. Diploma in Nursing: This three-year program covers the principles of nursing and healthcare.
5. Diploma in Education: This three-year program prepares students to become primary school teachers.
6. Diploma in Hotel Management: This three-year program covers the principles of hospitality management.
7. Diploma in Agriculture: This three-year program covers the principles of agriculture and farming.
8. Diploma in Fashion Design: This three-year program covers fashion design and merchandising principles.
9. Diploma in Mass Communication: This is a three-year program that covers the principles of journalism and media studies.

Polytechnic Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to a polytechnic program in India -  

• The candidates typically need to have passed their class 10th or 12th exams. 
• They should also have obtained a minimum of 40% marks in their qualifying examination, although this requirement may vary depending on the institution. 
• Additionally, candidates should be of Indian nationality and generally have taken math, science, and English as compulsory subjects in their qualifying exams. 

It is important to carefully check the eligibility criteria of the institutes you are interested in applying to, as these requirements may vary from institution to institution.

Statewise Polytechnic Entrance Exams

State/UT	Polytechnic Admission Entrance Exam
Andhra Pradesh	Andhra Pradesh Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (AP-POLYCET)
Assam	Assam Polytechnic Admission Test (PAT)
Arunachal Pradesh	Arunachal Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination (APJEE)
Bihar	Diploma-Certificate Entrance Competitive Examination (DCECE)
Uttar Pradesh	Joint Entrance Exam Council of Uttar Pradesh (JEECUP)
West Bengal	Joint Entrance Examination for Polytechnics (JEXPO)
Jammu and Kashmir	Jammu & Kashmir Polytechnic Entrance Test (JKPET)
Madhya Pradesh	Madhya Pradesh Pre-Polytechnic Test (MP PPT)
Telangana	Telangana State Polytechnic Common Entrance Test (TS POLYCET)
Himachal Pradesh	Himachal Pradesh Polytechnic Admission Test (HP PAT)
Chhattisgarh	Chhattisgarh Pre-Polytechnic Test (CG PPT)
Jharkhand	Polytechnic Entrance Competitive Examination (PECE)

Admission Process

Registration Steps

• To apply for admission to a polytechnic program, candidates must complete and submit an application form provided by the relevant authorities within a specified time frame.
• The application form will require the candidate to provide personal, academic, and contact information and upload documents such as a photograph and signature.
• An application fee may also be required during the application process.
• It is important to note that the application form may vary depending on the specific polytechnic program being applied to

Issuance of the Admit Card 

• Many states conduct polytechnic entrance exams for admission to polytechnic programs at participating institutes.
• Admit cards will be issued to registered candidates with specific exam dates, times, and locations, as well as instructions for the exam day
• The admit card will include the name of the candidate, the roll number for the exam in 2022, the date and time of the exam, the location of the exam centre, the candidate's date of birth, a photograph of the candidate (submitted with the application form), and the candidate's signature. These details are important for identifying candidates and ensuring they can participate in the exam.

Conducting the Entrance Exam

The entrance test shall be conducted as per the states listed above.

Results and counselling process:

• The authorities will announce the entrance exam results after the exam has been completed.
• Only those candidates who pass the exam will be eligible for admission.
• Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a counselling process, during which seats in the program will be allocated based on merit, preference, and availability.

Top Polytechnic Institute & Corresponding Fees

The following is a list of polytechnic institutes and their corresponding fees:

Polytechnic Institute	Polytechnic admission fees
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute in Mumbai	₹1,20,000
S H Jondhale Polytechnic in Thane	₹1,50,000
Jabalpur Engineering College in Jabalpur	₹1,35,000
Vivekanand Education Society's Polytechnic in Mumbai	₹1,60,000
Adesh Polytechnic College in Muktsar	₹1,95,000
Anjuman Polytechnic in Nagpur	₹3,52,000
Agnel Polytechnic in Navi Mumbai	₹3,00,000
Chhotu Ram Polytechnic in Rohtak	₹1,55,000
Government Polytechnic in Pune	₹2,00,000
Aditya Engineering College in Bangalore	₹63,000

Also check: Top Engineering Colleges in India

Job Opportunities after Polytechnic

Polytechnic courses are often seen as a quick route to a professional career, providing many career options and opportunities. These courses are particularly attractive to Class 10 students who may face financial difficulties or wish to start their careers early. 

Upon completing a Polytechnic course (Diploma), students can choose to enter the government service sector through PSU jobs, work for private companies, or even start their businesses. 

Some potential career paths for Polytechnic courses (Diploma) holders include jobs in the public sector or PSUs, jobs in the private sector, and self-employment opportunities. 

• In the public sector, Diploma holders may be hired for junior-level positions or technician-level jobs at companies such as the Railways, Indian Army, GAIL, ONGC, DRDO, BHEL, NTPC, and more.
• Manufacturing, construction, electronics, and communication companies may hire Polytechnic Diploma holders in the private sector, though these jobs often need more room for promotion or advancement. 
• Self-employment is also an option for Polytechnic course diploma holders, as these courses' practical, application-oriented focus can prepare students to start their businesses in computer engineering, automobile engineering, and more.

Academic Scope After Polytechnic

• Lateral Entry Option for B.Tech or B.E.Degree

Polytechnic Diploma holders, particularly in engineering, are pursuing a B.Tech or B.E. degree. To do so, candidates may need to take an engineering entrance exam for the desired college and program. Many engineering colleges offer lateral entry options, allowing Diploma holders to enter the B.Tech and B.E. program directly in the second year or third semester. Some colleges may have a separate entrance exam to evaluate Diploma holders for admission.

• Go for AIME Certification

Another option for Polytechnic Diploma holders with an engineering background is to pursue the AIME (Associate Member of the Institutions of Engineers) certification, equivalent to a B.E. degree. The Institute of Engineering, India, offers the AIME exam which consists of two sections, though Polytechnic Diploma holders may be exempt from certain papers in Section A. The program typically takes around four years to complete, but Diploma holders may be able to earn the AIME certification in three years.

More information about this option is available on the official website of the Institute of Engineering, India (www.ieindia.org). Another possibility for Diploma holders is to continue their education in a related field by pursuing a degree.

• Option for Non-engineering Background

In addition to B.Tech and B.E. programs, Polytechnic Diploma holders may also choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in their field of choice by enrolling in a three-year regular undergraduate program. This option is particularly suitable for Diploma holders in non-engineering fields who can pursue three-year regular bachelor's programs such as B.Sc, B.A., BCA, and B.Com. However, candidates must have completed their Class 12 or +2 exams to be eligible for admission to these courses.

Polytechnic Subject List

This is the list of polytechnic subjects for different semesters, along with one year of project work. It includes subjects related to - 

• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Physics
• Applied Chemistry
• Engineering Drawing
• Information Technology
• Electrical Instrumentation and Measurement
• Digital Electronics
• Industrial Management and Entrepreneurship Development
• Switchgear and Protection
• Programme Logic Controller (PLC)
• Microcontroller and SCADA
• Communication Skills
• Industrial Electronics and Control
• Electrical Design
• Drawing and Estimating
• Power Plant Engineering
• Transmission and Distribution of Electrical Power
• Energy Conservation
• Universal Human Values
• Installation, maintenance and repair of electrical equipment
• The utilisation of electrical energy
• Application of computer software in electrical engineering

Conclusion

Polytechnic programs open up opportunities for candidates who need clarification about the science stream after the 10th grade but still want to keep their options open. This practical education allows you to become proficient in your chosen industry. The skills and knowledge gained in a polytechnic program will also be a strong foundation for a BE or B.Tech degree.

Also, due to increased competition in the job market, you need to be extra ready to open up career opportunities. 

Sunstone offers various services to help students kickstart their careers. Suppose you are an engineering diploma holder from a polytechnic institution and wish to pursue an engineering degree. In that case, you can enrol in  B.Tech at a leading campus with Sunstone. 

Sunstone provides 100% placement support, training by industry leaders, and 50+ guaranteed job interviews to ensure that you can excel.