## Report on AICTE Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education Guidelines Amendment 2021
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education Guidelines Amendment 2021, based solely on the provided official notification. The amendment primarily modifies the eligibility criteria for institutions offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programs, particularly concerning accreditation and ranking requirements. It also adjusts intake parameters and specifies the need for data submission to the AICTE portal. The amendment aims to broaden the scope of institutions eligible to offer ODL and online programs while maintaining quality assurance through accreditation and data monitoring.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview and analysis of the AICTE Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education Guidelines Amendment 2021. The analysis is based exclusively on the text of the official notification provided.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This document is an *amendment* to the All India Council for Technical Education Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education Guidelines, 2021, published on March 1st, 2021.
The core objective of the original policy and, by extension, this amendment, is inferred to be the regulation and standardization of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Education within the technical education sector in India. The amendment aims to refine the criteria for institutions offering such programs and their intake limits, promoting wider access to online education while maintaining quality standards.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The amendment appears to be designed to address limitations or inflexibilities in the original 2021 guidelines. The specific changes regarding accreditation scores and ranking criteria suggest that the original guidelines may have been overly restrictive, potentially hindering institutions capable of delivering quality ODL and online programs. The amendment likely aims to create a more inclusive framework for institutions to offer ODL and online courses, while simultaneously ensuring quality through revised accreditation and ranking benchmarks. This allows for wider access to online technical education by increasing the number of eligible institutions.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This amendment introduces the following specific changes to Part II of the original guidelines:
* **Point 3(a) Amendment (Institutions with NAAC/NBA scores or NIRF ranking):**
* **Original Provision (as inferred from the amendment):** Institutions with a NAAC score of 3.26 and above on a scale of 4 or NBA Score of 700 on a scale of 1000 or having rank in Top100 in University category of National Institutional Ranking Framework, at least twice in *three* preceding cycles at the time of application, shall be permitted to start fullfledged ODL courses and or Online courses without prior approval of the AICTE only in the courses in the field of Management and allied areas, NBA accredited programmes.
* **New Provision:** Institutions meeting the criteria above are permitted to start full-fledged ODL courses and/or Online courses without prior approval of the AICTE in the courses in the field of Management and allied areas, Computer Applications, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Logistics and Travel Tourism, provided they satisfy all the conditions mentioned in these regulations.
* **Difference/Effect:** This change expands the scope of disciplines for which eligible institutions can offer ODL/Online courses without prior AICTE approval to include Computer Applications, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Logistics and Travel Tourism. The amendment also removes the need for courses to be NBA-accredited.
* **Point 3(b) Amendment (Other Institutions Applying for ODL/Online Programs):**
* **Original Provision (as inferred from the amendment):** Any institution applying for offering programmes through ODL or Online mode should be in existence for at least five years, accredited by NAAC with a minimum score of 3.01 or NBA accreditation with at least 650 points on a scale of 1,000, or shall be in the top100 in the University category in National Institutional Ranking Framework for at least *twice in last three* preceding cycles at the time of application. Further, Institution has to acquire NBA Accreditation with a minimum score of 650 points on a scale of 1000 in next 2years from the date of initial approval.
* **New Provision:** Any other institution applying for offering programmes through ODL or Online mode should be in existence for minimum five years with at least two batches passed out, accredited by NAAC with a minimum score of 3.01 or NBA accreditation with at least 650 points on a scale of 1,000, or shall be in the top100 in the University category in National Institutional Ranking Framework for at least *once in last two* preceding cycles at the time of application. Further, Institution has to acquire NAAC score of 3.26 on a 4point scale or NBA Accreditation with a minimum score of 700 points on a scale of 1000 in next 2 years from the date of initial approval.
* **Difference/Effect:** This change relaxes the ranking requirements of NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) as the condition changes from "at least twice in last three preceding cycles" to "at least once in last two preceding cycles." Moreover, Institution has to acquire NAAC score of 3.26 on a 4point scale or NBA Accreditation with a minimum score of 700 points on a scale of 1000 in next 2 years from the date of initial approval. This change affects the accreditation needed from NAAC.
* **Point 7: Intake:**
* **Original Provision (as inferred from the amendment):** The approved intake is maximum of three times of the sanctioned intake of specific programme in conventional regular mode.
* **New Provision:** The Approved Intake for ODL Online Programmes shall be as per the UGC Open and Distance Learning mode and Online Learning Mode regulations dated 4th September 2020 and as amended from time to time.
* **Difference/Effect:** This amendment removes the direct limit on ODL/Online program intake tied to conventional program intake. Instead, it aligns AICTE guidelines with UGC regulations on ODL and Online Learning, which may prescribe different intake limits.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience for this amendment is:
* Technical Institutions in India offering or planning to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programs.
* Institutions seeking approval from AICTE to offer such programs.
* Students seeking to enroll in ODL and Online technical education programs.
Other stakeholders include:
* AICTE (as the implementing and regulatory body).
* UGC (due to the reference to their ODL and Online Learning regulations).
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible agency/bodies:** AICTE is the primary responsible body for implementing and enforcing these guidelines.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (April 13, 2021, as indicated in the document). There is also a 2-year timeline for institutions initially approved under point 3(b) to acquire the specified NAAC or NBA accreditation. The institutions have to submit all relevant data regarding faculty, students and affidavit on AICTE portal annually by registering on it.
* **Implementation Specifically Related to Changes:** Institutions intending to leverage the expanded course offerings under point 3(a) or applying for ODL/Online program approval under the revised point 3(b) must ensure they meet the new accreditation/ranking criteria. They are also subject to UGC regulations regarding intake limits, as defined by the amended Point 7.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of these changes are:
* **Increased participation of institutions:** The relaxed accreditation and ranking criteria may lead to a greater number of institutions becoming eligible to offer ODL and online programs.
* **Expansion of ODL/Online program offerings:** The broadened scope of eligible disciplines under point 3(a) may result in more diverse program offerings in the ODL and online space, particularly in emerging fields like Computer Applications, AI, and Data Science.
* **Alignment with UGC regulations:** Aligning intake limits with UGC regulations should streamline the regulatory landscape for institutions offering ODL and online programs.
* **Continued Quality Assurance:** By continuing to require minimum NAAC/NBA scores and top NIRF rankings, the AICTE is attempting to strike a balance between access and quality in ODL and online education.
**9. Conclusion:**
The AICTE Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education Guidelines Amendment 2021 represents a significant update to the regulatory framework governing online technical education in India. The amendments refine eligibility criteria for institutions, expand the scope of programs offered, and align with UGC regulations. These changes are likely intended to promote wider access to quality online technical education by broadening the range of institutions that can participate while still maintaining certain accreditation and ranking standards.
Key Entities Referenced
NEW DELHI: Location of publication of the Gazette of India notification
All India Council for Technical Education: Regulatory body (AICTE) issuing the guidelines
AICTE Act, 1987: The act under which AICTE is empowered to make guidelines
AICTE Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education Guidelines, 2021: The original guidelines being amended
AICTE Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education Guidelines Amendment 2021: The name of the amended guidelines
National Assessment and Accreditation Council: An accreditation agency (NAAC)
National Board of Accreditation: An accreditation agency (NBA)
National Institutional Ranking Framework: A ranking framework for institutions in India (NIRF)
University: Category of institutions ranked by NIRF
Management: Field of courses permitted to start fullfledged ODL courses and or Online courses without prior approval of the AICTE
Computer Applications: Field of courses permitted to start fullfledged ODL courses and or Online courses without prior approval of the AICTE
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: Field of courses permitted to start fullfledged ODL courses and or Online courses without prior approval of the AICTE
Logistics: Field of courses permitted to start fullfledged ODL courses and or Online courses without prior approval of the AICTE
Travel Tourism: Field of courses permitted to start fullfledged ODL courses and or Online courses without prior approval of the AICTE
UGC Open and Distance Learning mode and Online Learning Mode regulations dated 4th September 2020: Regulations regarding approved intake for ODL Online Programmes
RAJIVE KUMAR: Member Secy.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
xxxGIDHxxx
सी.जी.-डी.एxलxx.G-अID.-E1x3xx0 42021-226581
CG-DL-E-13042021-226581
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण्ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 174] नई दिल्ली, मगं लवार, अप्रलै 13, 2021/चत्रै 23, 1943
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2231 GI/2021 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
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[foKkiu&III@4@vlk-@38@2021&22][भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
ALL INDIA COUNCIL FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 7th April, 2021
F. No. AICTE/P&AP/ODL-ONLINE/2021.—In exercise of the powers conferred by and in discharge of its
functions and duties under sub-section (1) of section 23 read with section 10(b) (g) (i) (j) (m) (n) and (o) of AICTE
Act, 1987, the AICTE hereby makes the following guidelines further to amend the AICTE (Open and Distance
Learning Education and Online Education) Guidelines, 2021, namely:-
1. a) These guidelines may be called the AICTE (Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education)
Guidelines - Amendment - 2021
b) These shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the All India Council for Technical Education (Open and Distance Learning Education and Online Education)
Guidelines, 2021 published on 1st March, 2021, the following amendments have been incorporated in existing Part – II
of the guidelines as given in the table below.
Existing clause Amended Clause
Point 3:
(a) Institutions having NAAC score of 3.26 and above on a (a) Institutions having NAAC score of 3.26 and above on a
scale of 4 or NBA Score of 700 on a scale of 1000 or scale of 4 or NBA Score of 700 on a scale of 1000 or
having rank in Top-100 in University category of National having rank in Top-100 in University category of National
Institutional Ranking Framework, at least twice in three Institutional Ranking Framework, at least twice in three
preceding cycles (at the time of application), shall be preceding cycles (at the time of application), shall be
permitted to start full-fledged ODL courses and / or Online permitted to start full-fledged ODL courses and / or Online
courses without prior approval of the AICTE only in the courses in the field of Management and allied areas,
NBA accredited programmes, provided it satisfies all the Computer Applications, Artificial Intelligence and Data
conditions mentioned in these regulations: Science, Logistics and Travel & Tourism without prior
approval of the AICTE, provided it satisfies all the
conditions mentioned in these guidelines.
However, these institutions are required to submit all
relevant data regarding faculty, students and affidavit on
AICTE portal annually by registering on it.
Point 3:
(b) Any Institution, may apply for offering programmes (b) Any other Institution which fulfils the following
through the ODL mode and / or Online mode, which fulfils conditions may apply for offering programmes through
the following conditions, namely:- the ODL mode and / or Online mode.
shall be in existence for at least five years; and shall be in existence for minimum five years with at least
two batches passed out; and
(i) shall be accredited by the National Assessment and (i) shall be accredited by the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council with minimum score of 3.01 on Accreditation Council with minimum score of 3.01
a 4-point scale; on a 4-point scale;
or or
(ii) NBA accreditation with at least 650 points on a scale (ii) NBA accreditation with at least 650 points on a scale
of 1,000 of 1,000
or or
(iii) shall be in the top-100 in the University category in the (iii) shall be in the top-100 in the University category in
National Institutional Ranking Framework for at least the National Institutional Ranking Framework for at
twice in last three preceding cycles (at the time of least once in last two preceding cycles (at the time of
application). application).
Provided further, Institution has to acquire NBA
Accreditation with a minimum score of 650 points on a Provided further, Institution has to acquire NAAC score
scale of 1000 in next 2-years from the date of initial of 3.26 on a 4-point scale or NBA Accreditation with a
approval. minimum score of 700 points on a scale of 1000 in next
2-years from the date of initial approval.
Moreover, these institutions are required to submit all
relevant data regarding faculty, students and affidavit on
AICTE portal annually by registering on it.4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
Point 3:
(c) Open Universities may run ODL / Online programmes
only in the courses permitted by AICTE from time to time,
provided they meet all the requirements of these
guidelines.
However, these institutions are required to submit all
relevant data regarding faculty, students and affidavit on
AICTE portal annually by registering on it.
Point 7:
Intake: The approval of intake is maximum of three times of the The ―Approved Intake‖ for ODL / Online Programmes /
sanctioned intake of specific programme in conventional / Courses shall be as per the UGC (Open and Distance Learning
regular mode. mode and Online Learning Mode) regulations dated 4th
September 2020 and as amended from time to time.
Prof. RAJIVE KUMAR, Member Secy.
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./38/2021-22]
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.