Increase in engineering seats leads to more science schools

There has been a sudden spurt in the number of science stream schools which will enable many more students to enter the stream of their choice. The reason for the increase in engineering seats in 2010 which has led to the relaxation in sanctioning norms of science schools.

Two years ago Gujarat did not have many science schools. But with the increase in engineering seats in 2010, Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) was compelled to start more schools of science stream.

Principal Secretary of GSHSEB, Hasmukh Adhia told DNA that norms for sanctioning a new school in science stream had been very stringent till now.

“But after the engineering seats were doubled, we had to relax the norms to a certain extent so that more schools could get approval. Moreover, 43 new government science schools across Gujarat will begin functioning from the academic year 2011-12 and many new private schools have received approval,” he said.

According to data provided by the board, in 2009 93 schools for science stream were sanctioned. But in 2010, 111 schools got approval to start higher secondary section with science stream.

So, in just two years 204 higher secondary schools have been approved. The state has witnessed 25% more new higher secondary schools with science stream, which is the highest till now, said Adhia.