New Delhi: The Medical Council of India (MCI) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) today granted acceptance and equivalence to the AS Level English language advanced subsidiary course offered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

The new directive by the MCI and CBSE also stipulated that the popular AS level will now be extended to standard XII instead of standard XI and will be a part of the external examination at the end of class XII.

The move aims to streamline the procedure for admission to undergraduate medical courses.

Medical Council of India letter to CIE

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ian Cambers, CIE Regional Manager, South Asia, said, "We are delighted that CBSE now accepts the Cambridge AS level English advanced subsidiary course as an equivalent English language qualification for admission to undergraduate medical courses. This simplifies the process for students who are aspire to take up pre medical entrances in the country."

The development will help CIE and CBSE bring uniformity to common entrance examinations.

"The recognition of Cambridge GCE AS level English language by CBSE as an equivalent to class 12 standard examination is indeed an achievement. Now it will allow students who are studying CIE curriculum a fair chance to compete for medical courses in India. This is a very welcome development." said Soumita Mukherjee, Teacher, DPS International, Delhi.

Mr. Lawrence Fray, Principal, Vidya Sanskar International School, Faridabad said, "This is the most welcome step from the CBSE for the students of CIE as they will be treated as par to their counterparts and can devote more time for other subjects like Phyics, Chemistry and Biology to clear medical entrance examinations".

The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world's largest provider of international qualifications for 14-19 year olds. CIE offers the Cambridge International Curriculum for 5-19 year olds, professional qualifications for teachers and vocational qualifications for adult learners.

CIE qualifications are taken in 150 countries and recognized by universities, educational providers and employers across the world. It is a part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a non-profit organization and part of the University of Cambridge.