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AICTE Tightens Norms For Entry Of Foreign Varsities
Foreign universities and institutions entering the field of technical education in India will now be governed by a fresh set of norms.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) last week drew up regulations meant to enforce accountability and prevent the entry of non-accredited varsities into the country. These rules will replace the norms issued by the apex body for technical education in April 2003.
Under the new system, foreign varsities and institutions will be treated on par with Indian technical institutions and shall be governed by all the rules, regulations, norms and guidelines of AICTE issued from time to time. They will not be allowed to appoint franchisees.
Educational innovations, including experimentation with different modes of delivery by a foreign university, shall be allowed, provided such a system is well established either in their parent country or in India, the regulations state. AICTE will prescribe the fee and the intake for each course to be offered by a foreign varsity or institution.
AICTE has sought an undertaking from foreign institutions keen on establishing campuses in India declaring that the courses offered to students in India shall be recognised in the parent country and shall be treated equivalent to the corresponding degrees/ diplomas awarded by the university or institution at home.
This way, there will be no discrimination against Indian students in the academic curriculum, mode of delivery and pattern of examination.
The degrees and diplomas should have the same nomenclature as in the parent country and any course which will jeopardise national interest will not be allowed. Admissions to foreign institutions, eligibility for admission and conduct of courses will all be governed by the AICTE.
Foreign universities seeking to operate in India, either directly or through collaborative arrangement with an Indian university, should submit a no objection certificate from the embassy concerned, which will certify the genuineness of the institution.
Foreign varsities and institutions already operating in India should seek fresh approval from AICTE within six months.
Meanwhile, in a public notification issued today, AICTE cautioned students not to get carried away by attractive advertisements issued by foreign varsities.
Students must confirm the status of its (varsitys) approval by AICTE, as joining unapproved programmes can have serious consequences in terms of eligibility for employment and higher studies, the notification stated.
The AICTE has opened student facilitation counters at its headquarters and regional offices in Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Kolkata and Mumbai, where information on approved technical programmes and courses is available.
Plugging loopholes
i Foreign institutions to be treated on par with Indian ones and governed by AICTE rules
ii Foreign varsities cannot appoint franchisees
iii AICTE to prescribe fee and intake for each course
iv Degrees, diplomas must have same nomenclature as in parent country
v Embassy concerned must issue NOC certifying the genuineness of the institution
Sources: Online Resources