technical courses

The Human Resource Development Minister M M Pallam Raju has informed that the AICTE will allow more technical courses including engineering through correspondence i.e. distance learning mode, as long as the laboratory work for these courses is conducted through face-to-face sessions.

‘Technical education’ as defined under the AICTE Act 1987, includes programme of education, research and training, engineering, technology, architecture, town planning, management, pharmacy and applied arts and crafts. Currently, students can only pursue technical courses such as management (MBA) and computer application (BCA, MCA) programmes through distance learning. Till date, the AICTE was of the view that distance education programmes in engineering should not be offered till proper standards have been put in place. So this provision for allowing studying engineering through correspondence comes with a clause.

“Only those students who have at least one regular classroom diploma or degree and with some work experience are eligible to apply for these distance technical education degrees. Also, this relaxation will not apply to architecture and pharmacy courses,” said AICTE Chairman, Dr S S Mantha. He added that based on recommendations of several committees, the council has decided to allow more technical courses through correspondence. However, the final decision will be taken later. The proposal is likely to be finalised by February 2013.