Is polytechnic diploma equivalent to 12th? What are the drawbacks if we don't do 12th?

Yes, diploma is equivalent to 12th and a bit more than that. So there are no drawbacks. just that you spend a year more completing the diploma (10+3). If you are confused about careers after 12th/ diploma, there are a few ways to approach this. One, is to go for a career counsellor who would take pa

If you are 12th passed then admitted in B Tech first year. If diploma holder then in second year of B Tech. You yourself can see that these two courses are not equivalent. Moreover, in many cases you are treated as equivalent and it is not universal but conditional. Cheer-up!

If you have completed Diploma in engineering/ technology, it is good for career prospects. 12th grade is important if you wish to carry forward for a degree in engineering. Otherwise you may undertake specialized courses in your field of specialization and that provide you career enhancement.