Impact of Proficiency in English Language on Engineering Students' Performance in their Curricular Subjects

Proficiency in English language plays a significant role in the academic and professional progress of an engineering student. This is primarily because English is used as the medium of instruction at all the technical higher education institutes in India. This study examines the relationship between engineering students' proficiency in English language and their performance in curricular subjects. It also studies Engineering students' and teachers' perceptions on the impact of proficiency in English language on students' performance in other subjects. Furthermore, this study identifies the other factors (beyond Proficiency in English Language) that affect engineering students' performance in other subjects. This research employs a cross-sectional survey research design. The data collected through qualitative questionnaires and the quantitative data from the end semester exam results are used for the research purposes. The data is analysed statistically using descriptive statistics and the inferential statistical test, Spearman rank-order correlation. A comparison of test grades analysis and the students' and teachers' perceptions is also carried out to derive a holistic understanding of the relationship between proficiency in English language and performance in curricular subjects. The findings of the study indicate that there is a significant positive correlation between the engineering students' proficiency in English language and their performance in science and core subjects.