On March 22, 2023, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) announced significant changes in the approval process handbook for the upcoming academic session of 2023-24. The AICTE Chairman, TG Sitharam, revealed that the moratorium has been lifted with certain conditions, with a particular emphasis on emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AICTE has also increased the maximum approved intake in various programmes, such as engineering and management, from 300 to 360 students. Similarly, the approved intake in computer application programmes has been increased from 180 to 300 students. These changes signify a shift in the education sector in India, with a focus on new and upcoming areas of study. The AICTE’s move towards increasing intake in emerging fields like AI is a step in the right direction, and it is expected to open up new opportunities for students seeking to pursue careers in these fields.
Aspiring educational institutions seeking to establish new programmes, obtain extension of approval, and secure a no objection certificate (NOC) for running core areas in online distance learning and online mode can begin their applications starting tomorrow. The Chairman of AICTE, TG Sitharam, recently announced the lifting of the moratorium with certain conditions in the approval handbook for the 2023-24 academic session. Along with lifting the moratorium, AICTE has also allowed for the merger of various PG diploma and MBA programmes. However, institutions looking to merge programmes must maintain the student-teacher ratio, which is a crucial aspect in ensuring quality education.
These changes in the approval handbook represent a significant step towards promoting innovation and quality education in India. With the increasing importance of online education in today’s world, the move to allow institutions to run core areas in online distance learning and online mode is likely to create new opportunities for both students and educators alike. Additionally, allowing mergers of programmes with proper regulation and student-teacher ratio will streamline the educational landscape and improve the quality of education delivered to students.
In a recent announcement, the AICTE revealed that the PM CARE supernumerary seats in polytechnic institutes will not continue. Instead, the regulator plans to establish a platform or hire counsellors to address the mental health issues faced by both students and teachers in technical education. With the ongoing pandemic, the need for mental health support has become more pressing than ever before, and the AICTE’s move to provide counselling services will undoubtedly be a step in the right direction.
Additionally, the AICTE Chairman, TG Sitharam, stated that aspirational districts will be encouraged, and the focus will be on placements and skill development in various programmes. This renewed focus on skill development will provide students with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their careers, thereby increasing their employability. The AICTE’s decision to prioritize skill development and placements is also in line with the government’s push towards a more self-reliant India.
AICTE 2023-24 Approval Process Handbook: Highlights
According to the latest guidelines issued by the AICTE, engineering institutions looking to apply for new courses must have a minimum of three core branches already in place. In contrast to previous years, institutions can now apply for multiple programmes simultaneously. The AICTE has also announced that it will allow institutions to start courses in emerging areas, irrespective of enrollment. Previously, institutions needed at least 50% enrollment in core branches to be eligible to start emerging area courses.
To encourage collaboration and twinning, the AICTE has relaxed its norms, and institutions will be allowed to collaborate with QS ranks, the top 1,000 rank holders, and foreign institutions. Additionally, the first 100 AICTE-approved institutions will be permitted to collaborate. The AICTE has also announced that it will provide 60% NBA accreditation in the next year. These changes are a significant step towards promoting innovation and quality education in India, and they are expected to create new opportunities for students and educators alike. The relaxed norms on collaboration and twinning are particularly encouraging, as they will enable institutions to learn from and collaborate with leading institutions from across the globe.
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