Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Prof. T.G. Sitharam along with Vice Chairman Dr. Abhay Jere and Member Secretary Prof. Rajive Kumar launched the AICTE Approval Process Handbook for Academic Year 2024-2027, today at PIB Conference Hall, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Smt. Shamima Siddiqui presented the introductory remarks.

Prof. Sitharam, while addressing the media personnel, informed that AICTE has come up with an Approval Process Handbook applicable for the next three years. The handbook elaborates on processes which institutions need to follow while seeking approval from the council to run technical and management programmes/courses. Prof. Sitharam also highlighted the amendments and provisions that have been incorporated this year in the Approval Process Handbook with a primary focus on quality of education, simplicity in procedures and transparency in implementation.

He also added that for the first time, AICTE posted the draft of the new APH in the public domain to seek opinions and suggestions/ feedback from various stakeholders and experts. More than 600 suggestions and comments were received from different stakeholders, which were evaluated by an expert committee and many suggestions were incorporated in the final draft.  

New changes introduced in the APH are as follows:

1. Provision for Extension of Approval up to 3 years for well-performing Institutions.
2. The upper limit on intake for the Courses / Programs offered by well-performing existing institutions has been relaxed. However, Institutions need to showcase quality infrastructure and qualified faculty before seeking intake.
3. Reduction in compliances related to the requirement of land documents and NOC from affiliating University/ State/ UT Govt.
4. Introduced Off-campus provision for well-performing existing institutions within the jurisdiction of affiliating Universities.
5. Undergraduate Programs/Courses in Computer Applications (e.g. BCA) and Management (e.g. BBA/BMS) have been brought under the umbrella of AICTE to ensure coordinated development in technical and management education.
6. Provision for employed/ working professionals to upgrade their academic qualification/ skillsets at diploma/degree/postgraduate level through flexible mode (timings).
7. Provision of Hibernation for the Institutions looking for upgradation/revamping of the facilities.
8. More clarity on the approval process for Open and Distance Learning (ODL)/Online Learning (OL)
9. All AICTE-approved Institutions have default approval for Skilling (through Vocational courses) via making effective use of existing infrastructure facilities and human resources. 
10. Revised penal action clauses for violation of Norms and Requirements applicable for AICTE approved Institutions/Universities.
11. Huge emphasis on innovation through the INDOVATION program and by establishing the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) on their campuses. 

The new provision of AICTE approval for Institutions offering BCA and BBA/BMS courses will enable better quality through model curriculum, eligibility for scholarship schemes like PRAGATI, SAKSHAM, SWANATH etc., faculty participation in FDPs through ATAL Academy, Quality Improvement Programme, Research Promotion Scheme for funding Faculty, Innovation Cell activities for students, free access to all technical books, access to Students Assessment Portal (PARAKH), placement and internship facilities for students through AICTE’s Internship and Placement portal.

AICTE is committed to promoting holistic, qualitative, inclusive and accessible education in the country to make India a technical hub by 2047. AICTE is a mentor, facilitator and enabler catering to the needs of its diverse stakeholders.

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SS/AK