In a significant move on May 9, Thursday, the government issued a directive requiring all state public universities, autonomous colleges, and other degree-granting institutions under the higher education department to obtain approval from the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) for their professional courses before admitting students. The decision is aimed at ensuring the quality and credibility of professional education. This shows the government really cares about making sure professional courses are top-notch and students get a good deal.
The directive, communicated through a letter from the higher education department to state public universities and degree colleges, emphasises the importance of AICTE approval for professional courses. Institutions are required to submit a copy of their affiliation or recognition from AICTE to the department’s deputy director before enrolling in these courses in the SAMS portal. This requirement extends to all higher education institutions offering self-financed or public-private partnership mode courses.
According to official sources, institutions offering professional courses such as MBA, MCA, integrated MCA, BBA, BCA, and similar programs must secure AICTE approval for the academic year 2024-25 to maintain recognition and eligibility throughout the academic period. If they don’t get this approval, they won’t be allowed to offer these courses to students who want to join through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) next year.
The letter warns that failure to comply with the directive may lead to the admission of students without proper affiliation or recognition from AICTE. Institutions are urged to conduct a comprehensive review of AICTE approval or recommendation before granting affiliation for professional courses, as stated in the official communication.
An official from the department emphasised that this preventive measure is intended to safeguard the interests of students. Many students, while seeking admission to professional courses, may not be aware of the importance of AICTE approval. By mandating AICTE approval for such courses, the government aims to ensure that transparency is maintained.
The decision to mandate AICTE approval for professional courses shows that the government wants to make sure that colleges offer good-quality education. By mandating institutions to obtain AICTE approval before admitting students, the government is taking a crucial step towards standardising the professional education landscape and aligning it with national standards.
When an institution gets AICTE approval, it means they meet certain standards set by the government. This includes having good-quality teachers, a good curriculum, and the right facilities. This ensures that students get a good education that prepares them well for jobs, making it easier for them to find work after they finish their studies. Furthermore, government wants colleges to hold accountability and transparency in the higher education sector. By making AICTE approval a prerequisite for offering professional courses, the government is ensuring that institutions adhere to regulatory requirements and fulfill their responsibilities towards students. This way, students won’t end up joining courses that aren’t officially recognized, protecting their education and the money they’ve invested in it.
By requiring all institutions, regardless of their affiliation or mode of operation, to obtain AICTE approval, the government is ensuring equitable standards across the board. This will prevent any disparity in the quality of education offered by different institutions and uphold the integrity of the higher education system. By urging institutions to verify the accreditation status of professional courses, the government is encouraging a culture of accountability and responsibility within the higher education ecosystem.
Overall, the mandate for AICTE approval for professional courses shows that the government wants to improve education quality. By prioritising accreditation and standardisation, the government is laying the groundwork for a robust and resilient higher education sector that meets the evolving needs of students, industries, and society at large.
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