AICTE Launches Approval Process Handbook for 2024-2027: Emphasizes Quality and Transparency

In a significant development, the Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Prof. T.G. Sitharam, along with Vice Chairman Dr. Abhay Jere and Member Secretary Prof. Rajive Kumar, unveiled the AICTE Approval Process Handbook for the Academic Year 2024-2027.

During the media address, Prof. Sitharam highlighted that AICTE has introduced an Approval Process Handbook for the next three years. The handbook comprehensively outlines the procedures institutions are required to follow when seeking approval from the council to run technical and management programs/courses. Notably, this edition incorporates amendments and provisions aimed at enhancing the quality of education, simplifying procedures, and ensuring transparency in implementation.

For the first time, AICTE adopted a collaborative approach by sharing the draft of the new Approval Process Handbook in the public domain, inviting opinions, suggestions, and feedback from various stakeholders and experts. Over 600 suggestions and comments were received, meticulously evaluated by an expert committee, and many were integrated into 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.

One of the notable provisions introduced in this edition is the AICTE approval for institutions offering BCA and BBA/BMS courses. This initiative is designed to enhance educational quality through a model curriculum, making institutions eligible for scholarship schemes such as PRAGATI, SAKSHAM, SWANATH, and more. Faculty members are encouraged to participate in Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) through ATAL Academy, fostering quality improvement programs and supporting research initiatives.

The Approval Process Handbook also facilitates Research Promotion Schemes to fund faculty, encourages Innovation Cell activities for students, provides free access to all technical books, and grants access to the Students Assessment Portal (PARAKH). Additionally, AICTE’s Internship and Placement portal will facilitate placement and internship opportunities for students.

Prof. Sitharam reiterated AICTE’s commitment to promoting holistic, qualitative, inclusive, and accessible education in the country, with the overarching goal of making India a technical hub by 2047. AICTE continues to play a pivotal role as a mentor, facilitator, and enabler, catering to the diverse needs of its stakeholders. The launch of the Approval Process Handbook marks a significant step towards achieving these educational objectives.