AICTE planning for Engineering Courses through Distance Learning

In a move to uplift the engineering education, the government is working on a proposal to launch engineering courses through open and distance learning system. The initiative is basically for the  aspirants who cannot pursue technical education on a full-time basis.

For this, a committee has been set up by All India Council for Technical education (AICTE) to work out the modalities for implementing the programme. This suggestion has been made by a committee headed by noted academic N R Madhava Menon to the Human Resource Development Ministry.

An effective regulatory system has also been suggested by the committee to put in place before allowing technical education through open and distance learning mode extensively in all types of institutions. It was also advised that before allowing technical and professional programmes through the open and distance learning system, the Distance Education Committee (DEC), in conformity with the AICTE norms and standards, will have to develop programme-specific benchmarks, for theory, tutorial, counselling, practical, infrastructure and manpower requirement.

Now, open and distance learning system is promoted and coordinated by the Distance Education Council (DEC), which was constituted under Indira Gandhi National Open University Act (IGNOU). The AICTE, as a policy, does not recognise technical education through open and distance mode, except MBA and MCA.