Imparting education is vital but ensuring ‘quality’ education will really make the difference. And for India, when we are in Amrit Kaal, making the difference to lead the world globally is the most important goal for all of us as citizens. Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call for Viksit Bharat by 2047, reminds us that “For India, this is the time, right time (Yahi Samay hai, Sahi Samay hai)”.
To achieve the dream of Viksit Bharat, India needs to grow in each sector and in every aspect. We need to develop a Bharat whose technical human resource is of global standards.
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is fully committed to the goal of Viksit Bharat and is determined to take every possible effort to uplift the quality of technical and management education in India. AICTE is also committed to ensure that by 2047 Bharat evolves as one of the main ‘Global Study Destination’ in the world for its quality education.
Focus on quality education has and will always be on the top priority of AICTE. In view of the same, various reformative measures have been introduced and implemented at AICTE approved Institutions with an aim to uplift the quality of technical and management education.
This year, in concurrence with AICTE ACT 1987, we took a major decision to bring BBA/BMS and BCA courses under our ambit. Indeed, the decision stunned many and in repercussion many banged the legal doors as well. However, AICTE standing strong to its decision has tried to wipe off all the confusions through our workshops, online consultations etc. We clearly mentioned that in AY 2024-25 BBA/BCA institutions will be given approval on ‘as-is-where-is basis’. AICTE will work with Institutions for the next 2-3 years on improving the quality of their programs by prescribing a model curriculum of international standards, quality faculty development training programs, quality improvement scheme, scholarships, etc.
Yes, we took time to take up the responsibility of undergraduate management courses but with the prevailing circumstances so far and for the future of our youths, it became important for us to take charge.
In the last decade, a number of technical and management education institutions including state private universities have mushroomed at an unprecedented scale, triggering a major debate around quality of education. These institutions are offering seats in huge numbers, without any regulations. In fact, some of the ‘famous’ tagged Universities are unable to maintain the student-faculty ratio, thereby compromising with the future of the nation.
Offering highly paid degrees without providing quality education have several detrimental effects on individuals, society, and the education system itself. It undermines the integrity of the education system, limits opportunities for students, and hinders economic and social progress. Graduates passing out from such Institutions find themselves incapable to sustain in the evolving job market, thereby leading to either underemployment or unemployment.
Therefore, the decision to bring undergraduate management courses offering Institutions under the AICTE umbrella is significant and progressive. AICTE’s regulatory framework which includes guidelines for faculty qualifications, infrastructure requirements, teaching methodologies, and assessment processes, will help the Institutions in maintaining the quality and credibility of BBA/BMS and BCA programs, enhance their accreditation and recognition, both nationally and internationally, improve reputation and increases the credibility of the degrees awarded, facilitating academic mobility and career opportunities for students.
By coming under AICTE’s purview, these institutions will be regulated, monitored, and standardized. The guidelines and procedures of AICTE will reduce the administrative burden and promote transparency and accountability in the education sector. It will prevent the proliferation of substandard institutions and ensure the adherence to regulatory guidelines, thereby safeguarding the interests of students and maintaining the credibility of these programs.
Moreover, AICTE, which fosters closer collaboration between academia and industry, will ensure BBA/BMS and BCA students gain practical exposure to real-world challenges, industry trends, and best practices, thereby enhancing their employability and readiness for the workforce. Skill development of the student is also one of the major factors to bring UG Management courses offering Institutions under AICTE.
Apart from this, AICTE, which takes immense measures in promoting the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country, will foster a culture of innovation and creativity in the institutions offering BBA and BCA programs. By providing support for research initiatives, incubation centers, and start-up initiatives, AICTE will empower UG Management graduates to explore new ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to economic growth and societal development.
The decision will also make Institutions offering BBA and BCA programs eligible for government funding, grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial support. This will enable institutions to invest in infrastructure development, faculty training, research facilities, and student welfare initiatives, ultimately benefiting the entire academic community.
Also, it is imperative to counter the claims which state that AICTE came up with this decision all of sudden. We announced to include BCA and BBA/BMS courses under AICTE purview in November 2023 after detailed discussion and assessment with the expert committee members. Also, for the very first time we posted the draft of the Approval process handbook in the public domain to seek real feedback. In coordination with an expert committee and stakeholders, we have analyzed each and every norms and regulation to make the approval process easier and convenient for the Institutions to apply.
Hence, the decision to bring BBA and BCA programs under AICTE’s ambit has a broader vision to enhance the quality, relevance, and competitiveness of technical and management education in India, aligning educational offerings with the evolving needs of the industry and society. Though, today this decision may not please many, but it will prove to be worth it in times to come.
(The Author is Chairman, AICTE)
