New Delhi, Nov 27: Universities offering engineering programmes through correspondence will soon be able to get accreditation as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is in the process of drafting a regulation for such courses in the “blended learning” category.
At present, any engineering programme offered through distance learning mode is not approved by AICTE, the statutory regulator for technical courses in the country.
While varsities or institutions can impart theoretical knowledge through study material, the practical modules will require attendance and practical training,” AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe said.
The proposed regulation has been sent by AICTE to HRD ministry for its approval.
While AICTE recognises MBA and MCA programmes offered through distance mode, it has always followed a policy of not approving BTech, MTech, pharmacy, hotel management, and architecture courses through correspondence.
Notably, The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) had in 2013 withdrawn its decision of recognising these courses in perpetuity for equivalence in central government jobs after concerns were raised over the quality of such programmes.
Railways, had also expressed reservation in hiring candidates who had BTech degrees pursued under distance learning mode.
However, the Ministry had in September this year lifted the ban saying all degrees, diplomas and certificates – including those in technical education – awarded through open and distance mode, stood automatically recognised for employment to central jobs, provided the courses have been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The AICTE Chairman, also released the survey report of industry linked technical institutes conducted by AICTE in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
AICTE recognizes 12,234 established and emerging institutes offering Engineering, Management, Pharmacy and Architecture programmes. This year, 1,225 institutes were in race for the awards which will be announced on December 2 here.
None of the IITs and IIMs participated submitted their entries for the awards.
