Thanks a lot for the specific inputs. I used the TI’s pinmux tool to verify this on P9 of beagle-bone black since E17 and E18 are not accessible. And it is working as expected.
@RobertCNelson : However, in my last kernel build a virtual COM port was showing up when i booted the BBB (USB used for powering the BBB). Is there some specific kernel module that i need to select for this feature? Actually we require a COM port through USB for testing purposes.