AICTE Revises Guidelines for Working Professionals in Technical Education

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has unveiled new guidelines for working professionals seeking undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering colleges. Starting from the 2024-2025 academic year, these updated norms will impact B.E/B. Tech courses and diploma programs in AICTE-approved institutions.
Under the new regulations, institutions with an average enrollment of over 80% in the past three years can admit working professionals only into the first year of their courses. This change aims to streamline the admission process and enhance the quality of education for all students.
A notable update is the reduction in the permissible distance between the workplace and the institute. Professionals working in registered industries, organizations (Central or State), private or public limited companies, and MSMEs must now be within a 50 KM radius of the institute, down from the previous limit of 70 KM. This adjustment is designed to better integrate work and study for these professionals.
Working professionals can enroll in at least one full-time course while maintaining their regular employment. The qualification criteria for these applicants remain consistent with those for candidates eligible for lateral entry into the second year. To earn their degree, professionals must accumulate the credits specified in the AICTE model curriculum or by the affiliating university.
The reservation policies of the respective State or Union Territory will apply regarding academic requirements. Additionally, AICTE has introduced a special provision reserving one seat in every institute for candidates working in central government organizations, industries, companies, and autonomous organizations based on merit. If no such candidates apply, the seat may be reallocated to the general category.
These updates underscore AICTE’s commitment to supporting the educational goals of working professionals, ensuring they can access quality technical education while continuing their careers.