The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has recently presented fresh regulations for undergraduate courses such as Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA), which will come into effect in the academic year 2024-25. These changes were brought forth to ensure the coordinated development in technical and management education.
The Expansion of Regulation
The spotlight of these new regulations is on bringing undergraduate (UG) courses in Computer Applications (BCA) and Management (BBA/BMS) under the supervision of the AICTE. This provision extends to engineering colleges, which are now allowed to offer programs like BBA and BCA, thereby broadening their scope beyond the usual engineering disciplines.
Institutional Flexibility: A Major Highlight
Another key highlight of the new rules is the incorporation of institutional flexibility by provision for Extension of Approval up to 3 years for well-performing institutions. Currently, technical education institutes have to reapply for approval every year, which can be a tedious process. But this flexibility in the new regulations paves the way for more freedom for such institutions.
Facilitating Career Advancement for Working Professionals
The AICTE regulations have also introduced flexible study hours in selected institutes. This initiative aids working professionals, including diploma graduates, by allowing them to pursue lateral entry into engineering degrees. The move is particularly advantageous as it accommodates the work commitments of these professionals and enables extended study durations.
Initiatives for Professional Upgrade
In response to the growing need for professional upgradation, AICTE has identified and selected over 300 institutes across India offering limited seats in diploma, engineering UG, and PG degrees for working professionals seeking educational growth. The council has also relaxed the ranking criteria for regions lacking suitable institutes.
Promoting Regional Language
AICTE is also focusing on promoting regional languages in technical education. To this end, it has published academic textbooks covering engineering and other subjects in 13 different regional languages.
Empowering Polytechnic Colleges and Encouraging Industry Collaborations
The new regulations have empowered polytechnic colleges by granting them autonomy and encouraging collaborations with industries for degree issuance. This initiative primarily focuses on improving employability and facilitating placements, thereby bringing a more practical approach to technical education.
About All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
The AICTE is a statutory organization and a national council for technical education operating under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The council was established in November 1945 and serves as a national-level apex advisory body. It plays an instrumental role in shaping and transforming technical education in the country.
