Ahmedabad: Gujarat govt has revised admission rules for pre-PTC (DElEd) colleges, raising the maximum age limit for applicants from 24 to 30 years and increasing the intake per class from 50 to 62 seats. The revised norms also introduce 10% reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS) and 5% for persons with disabilities.The changes aim to widen access to pre-primary teacher training and create a larger pool of trained educators for early childhood education in the state.Under the revised seat matrix, 17 seats will be reserved for socially and educationally backward classes (27%), nine for scheduled tribes (15%), four for scheduled castes (7%) and six for EWS candidates (10%). The open category will have 26 seats, accounting for 41% of the total 62 seats.Candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in Class XII to qualify for admission. A relaxation of five percentage points will be available to candidates belonging to SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories, as well as persons with disabilities. The eligibility criteria will apply to students passing Class XII from recognised state boards, CBSE, ICSE and other recognised boards.The maximum age will be calculated as on July 1 of the academic year. Candidates from SC, ST, SEBC and EWS categories, along with persons with disabilities, will be eligible for an additional five-year relaxation in the age limit.Govt has also introduced flexibility in the choice of medium of instruction. Applicants can seek admission to institutions offering a medium in which they studied either in Classes X or XII. Admission in another medium may be permitted if seats remain vacant and the prescribed language-study conditions are met.The 5% reservation for persons with disabilities has been provided under Section 32 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Their suitability will be assessed in relation to the duties of the teaching profession.The revisions were announced under chief minister Bhupendra Patel, with the education department saying the measures would make teacher training more inclusive and accessible.
