Spotlight: AICTE India Requires 60% Program Accreditation

In 2019, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) updated their regulations to require all institutes with technical professional programs to accredit at least 60% of their programs within four years. Programs in India are accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). NBA was initially established by the AICTE in 1994, but was later established as a separate entity and operates independently.

However, according to a recent report by “The Hindu” newspaper, only a handful of institutions in India’s Central Region have followed the guidelines. In practice, universities without a 60%+ program accreditation rate would not be eligible to renew their annual approvals by the AICTE which could result in de-recognition or closure. In addition, a separate clause indicated that programs could not increase current student intake levels if a program was not NBA accredited.

Explaining the value of accreditation, the article adds: “Citing the significance of Washington Accord, the AICTE and the Anna University have been encouraging affiliated institutions to go in for NBA accreditation to be in a position to secure funds from central agencies, enhance employability of graduates, and facilitate transnational recognition of degrees and mobility of graduates and professionals.”

In practice, universities without a 60%+ program accreditation rate would not be eligible to renew their annual approvals by the AICTE which could result in de-recognition or closure. In addition, a separate clause indicated that programs could not increase current student intake levels if a program was not NBA accredited.