Distance Learning Engineering Programs all Set to be Recognized by AICTE

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the statutory regulator for technical courses in the country,  is in the process of drafting a regulation for distance learning engineering programs under the “Blended Learning” category by which the ratio proposed for theory and practical teaching is 60:40. Theoretical knowledge for the various courses may be imparted through study material but  the practical session will require regular attendance and practical training.

According to the AICTE Chairman Anil Sahastrabushe, AICTE has already sent the regulation proposal to the ministry of HRD for its approval and right after it gets the confirmation, an official notification will be issued regarding the same and the programmes offerings distance learning for various engineering courses will get in action from the ensuing session.

University Grants Commission (UGC) had earlier banned the universities and other higher-educational institutions from offering diploma, bachelors and postgraduate courses in engineering and technology through distance –learning after the concerns were raised over the quality of such programmes.

Railways, had also expressed reservation for the candidates who pursued their BTech degrees under distance learning mode.

This year in Septemper, the ministry of HRD lifted the ban, saying that all degrees and diplomas in technical education, awarded through distance mode of education, stood automatically recognised for employment to central jobs, provided the courses have been approved by the UGC.