Bhubaneswar, Sept. 14: Engineering aspirants who had computer science as their optional subject in Plus Two science have failed to grab seats in engineering colleges of the state this year. The Orissa Joint Entrance Examination (OJEE)-2011 authorities have denied admission to students who have optional subjects other than chemistry, biology and biotechnology.

Although computer science was being considered as an eligible optional by the authorities for the last three years, this year the OJEE brochure has no mention of this subject leaving several students in a tizzy. Finding no other way, students who have been refused admission into these courses are either taking admission into the general stream or moving out of the state.

Similarly students with electronics, IT, statistics and geology as their optional subjects have also been refused engineering seats in the state.

“Like me, there are many students who were never aware that choosing this subject would lead us to such a mess. I am not sure what the criteria would be next year, but all of us have definitely lost one year,” said Khitish Sahoo, a student with computer science as optional subject.

“There is no logic behind not allowing subjects like electronics, computer science, IT, statistics and geology as they are very much a part of science and also engineering. When it is being considered in other states why not here? And how do students know about it without prior information. It’s like playing with the future of so many students,” said Purnima Nanda, a student who was denied admission.

While engineering colleges struggling to fill up their seats consider it a ‘typo error’ in the brochure that can be rectified, the OJEE authorities refuse to admit so.

“We are following whatever has been mentioned in the brochure. How can it be a typo error when there is no mention of it at all?” asked a senior OJEE official.

Private colleges have written to the state government to advice the OJEE chairman to consider these subjects as optionals and thus pave the way for more admissions.

“There are thousands of students who have the OJEE rank and meet the 45 per cent eligibility criteria. However, just because of a typo error, they are being debarred,” said Binod Dash of Orissa Private Engineering Colleges Association.

“The changes should be made as soon as possible so that these students get an opportunity to study engineering. Also, by considering these subjects, there shall be no compromise in the quality of engineering courses. Rather, the quality shall improve as these subjects are part of the engineering courses,” said Dash.