Approval needed to commence or continue courses Deemed varsities need AICTE nod

Deemed universities cannot conduct admissions without the approval of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). They will have to seek permission to commence or continue engineering courses. An order issued by the Supreme Court to this effect is expected to impact universities across the country.

Experts say that students and parents should be careful while applying for admission to engineering courses at deemed universities; they should ensure that the universities have the approval of the AICTE.

Dr Srini Bhupalam, the vice-president of the All India Federation of SelfFinancing Technical Institutions, says, “This order by the Supreme Court makes matters crystal clear. No technical education can be imparted without the approval of the AICTE. Some deemed universities have not applied to the AICTE for approval so far.”

Dr Bhupalam added that the SC’s decision is in the best interests of students and parents. “I hope the AICTE releases a list of deemed universities that have applied but have not been approved. Any student or parent thinking of enrolling at deemed universities must be extra cautious this year and make sure that AICTE approval has been accorded,” he said.

Professor G. Venkat Reddy, an expert in the field of education, said, “The order is a good one. All institutes should seek AICTE approval. Deemed universities start marketing their courses in the month of December every year. They conduct admissions much before other university. Deemed universities grab the best students and charge them exorbitant fees for admission to engineering courses.”

Professor C.H. Sanjay, the founder-director of the Hyderabad Campus, says, “The SC’s order does not apply to the GITAM Deemed Universities, as we fall under Category-1 of the autonomy list. This means that we can conduct our own entrance tests.”