AICTE to soon recognise distance learning engineering courses

New Delhi: Varsities 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.

"We have drafted a regulation for the distance learning BTech programmes under the Blended Learning category. The proposed ratio for theory and practical teaching is 60:40.

"While varsities or institutions can impart theoretical knowledge through study material, the practical modules will require attendance and practical training," AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe told reporters here.

The proposed regulation has been sent by AICTE to HRD ministry for its approval.

"We are waiting for an approval from HRD ministry. An official notification will be issued once we get a nod and the recognition will be granted to offer courses from the ensuing session," he added.

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. 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2013 withdrawn its decision of recognising these courses in perpetuity for equivalence in central government jobs after concerns were raised over the quality of such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).

The survey which is in its fourth edition, is conducted by the two bodies to award the best institutions in 24 categories.

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.

However, none of the IITs and IIMs participated submitted their entries for the awards.