AICTE Releases New Approval Process Handbook for 2024-25 to 2026-27: Steps for Online Application Form, Eligibility Criteria, and More

Updated: November 21, 2023, 04:59 PM IST

AICTE’s New Approval Process Handbook: The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) has brought forth noteworthy revisions in the Approval Process Handbook for 2024-25 to 2026-27, ushering in more lenient regulations and several new changes. This article provides a detailed overview of the significant updates and modifications implemented by AICTE.

What is the process to start a new Technical institution?

Establishing a new technical institution is subject to strict adherence to the norms outlined in the Approval Process Handbook. This comprehensive framework dictates that prior approval from the Council is mandatory for initiating any technical courses or programs within the institution. The Admission Authority, Body, or Institution is explicitly prohibited from admitting students to any technical program offered by an institution that needs the essential prior approval of the Council. Furthermore, the institution must comply with not only the regulations set forth by the Council but also with existing Central, State, and Local Laws, along with any applicable norms from other Regulatory Bodies.

In addition to the stringent approval process, state governments or union territories offering financial assistance to establish technical institutions must possess the requisite land for the proposed institute. This stipulation ensures that the government is well-prepared and equipped to develop new institutions offering diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate technical courses. Moreover, the application process is dynamic, allowing institutions whose applications were rejected in the previous academic year to reapply for approval in the current academic year, subject to the payment of applicable TER charges. This iterative approach encourages institutions to address deficiencies and seek support in subsequent years, fostering a continuous improvement process in line with regulatory standards.

AICTE’s New Approval Process Handbook: Time Scheduled for Applications

AICTE, as the regulatory authority for technical education, ensures a transparent and standardized approval process for establishing technical institutions. Periodically, AICTE issues Public Notices in prominent newspapers and on its official website, inviting applications for the establishment of new technical institutions. These notices provide detailed timelines for the submission of applications. The approval process is exclusively conducted through the AICTE Web Portal using the National Single Window System (NSWS). 

No Offline Applications

Offline submissions are explicitly prohibited, emphasizing the mandatory online application process. To maintain efficiency and adherence to deadlines, institutions seeking approval must submit their applications and complete the requisite payment on the AICTE Web Portal within the specified timeframe, as communicated in the Public Notice or on the AICTE Website. This methodology guarantees a simplified and electronic procedure, encouraging responsibility and prompt adherence to the prescribed criteria for the creation of technical establishments.

Eligibility Criteria For Promotors from different background

• Society: Entities eligible for promoting a technical institution include societies registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. The application process must be facilitated by the Chairman or Secretary of the community.
• Trust: Registered trusts under the Indian Trust Act 1882, or any other relevant acts amended over time, can also serve as promoters for technical institutions. The application process will be done through the trust’s Chairman or Secretary.
• Company: Companies established under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 are recognized as eligible promoters for technical institutions. The authorized officer of the company should apply.
• Government Bodies: Central, State, or Union Territory (UT) governments, as well as administrations of these entities, are eligible promoters. Additionally, societies or trusts registered with these government bodies can also apply. The application process can be conducted individually or through Public Private Partnership (PPP) or Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) mode, with an officer authorized by the Central/State Government/UT.
• Foreign Equity Restriction: Companies with any foreign equity, either directly or indirectly in their shareholding, are generally not permitted to apply for establishing a technical institution. However, exceptions may be considered based on specific guidelines the government provides.

Ensuring a diverse yet regulated educational environment, these qualifying requirements provide a clear framework for the kinds of organizations that can serve as catalysts for the establishment of technical colleges.

Steps for Submission of Online Application by the Promoter

• Registration on the NSW Portal: All new institutions intending to apply for approval must initiate the process by registering on the National Single Window (NSW) portal.
• Redirection to AICTE Web Portal: Upon registration on the NSW portal, the application will be automatically redirected to the AICTE web portal, where the formal application process will be conducted.
• Allotment of USER ID and Password: An exclusive USER ID and a password will be assigned to each new application upon the payment of ₹6000 through the payment gateway on the AICTE Web Portal at www.aicte-india.org.
• Password Recovery Process: The institution can apply online for a new password if the allotted password is forgotten. This process incurs Technical Education Regulatory (TER) Charges of ₹6000, payable through the AICTE web portal. The institution must submit proof of payment and an Affidavit for “Forgotten Password” to AICTE through the portal. Following verification, a new password will be allotted to the applicants.
• Online Application Submission: Using the allotted USER ID and password, the applicant must complete the online application form available on the AICTE Web Portal at www.aicte-india.org. This form must be filled out as per the prescribed format.
• Unique Identification Number: Upon successfully submitting the online application, applicants will be assigned a unique identification number. This number serves as a reference point throughout the application processing stages.
• Application Tracking: With the assigned unique identification number, applicants can track their applications’ status at various processing stages. This tracking mechanism provides transparency and allows applicants to stay informed about the progress of their submissions.

The guidelines in the Approval Process Handbook, which control the entire application process, guarantee a regulated and standardized approach to establishing new technical institutions. Find the Handbook attached below for comprehensive knowledge.