Thiruvananthapuram: In a move that will help existing technical education institutions to tide over the crisis due to the lack of enrollments, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has allowed them to conduct diploma courses. As per the AICTE approval handbook for the year 2019-20 released recently, existing institutions offering technical programmes including diploma and undergraduate degree can apply for vocational education programmes leading to diplomas and degrees under National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).
The institutions can submit applications online from Jan 14 to Feb 3.The last date for submitting applications online with a penalty for extension of approval based on self-disclosure for existing institutions is February 8. There shall be no further extension.
The Institutions can also apply for the following. Change of site/location,Conversion of women's institution into a co-ed institution and vice-versa,
Conversion of diploma level into degree level and vice-versa, to start new programmes and levels in the existing institutions, extension of approval to the existing institutions or continuation of approval after a break in the preceding Academic Year or Restoration of Intake, increase in intake and additional Courses, introduction of Integrated and Dual Degree Course and Closure of the Institution.
Applications for setting up new technical Institutions offering technical programmes in Engineering and Technology, Pharmacy, Architecture, Planning, Applied Arts and Crafts, Design, Hotel Management and Catering Technology, MCA, Management at Diploma, Post Diploma Certificate, Undergraduate Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, Post Graduate degree levels affiliated to University or Board or Standalone Institutions has also been invited.
The Institutions approved by the Council of Architecture, Pharmacy Council of India in the previous Academic Years, existing institutions offering courses in Applied Arts and Crafts, Vocational (Technical) Programmes and Non-Technical Institutions conducting MCA/ MBA, without the approval of AICTE and seeking approval for the first time from AICTE, can also submit an application as a new Technical Institution. Deemed universities seeking approval for the first time from AICTE can also apply for a new technical Institution. State and Central Universities, Constituent Colleges, Private Universities, if interested in seeking approval from AICTE for the first time may apply for a new technical institution.
