Ahmedabad: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has officially announced the commencement of the application process for the approval of new institutions, an increase in intake, the introduction of new courses, and permission for online and distance learning programmes for the academic year 2026–27. Applications will be accepted from November 28 through the National Single Window System (NSWS), and all institutions must submit their proposals exclusively through this online platform.For new institutions offering programmes in engineering, pharmacy, management, computer applications, hotel management, design, and planning, applications can be submitted until January 12, 2026. Existing institutions running these programmes must apply for annual approval by January 20. Institutions offering BBA and BMS courses can apply between December 19 and January 12. If institutions miss the deadline, they may still apply with a late fee from January 13 to January 20.

AICTE has clearly stated that partial approvals for select courses will no longer be allowed. In cases where partial approvals were granted in the past, such permissions will be withdrawn. Every technical programme or course must now seek separate approval from the council. This move comes after instances where some universities sought approval for only a few courses but portrayed it as approval for all their programmes, leading to confusion and misinformation.

The council has further clarified that central, state, and private universities must apply individually for each programme, including those offered through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode. Applications for these modes must also be submitted via the AICTE website in compliance with prescribed norms.

AICTE has released a comprehensive approval process handbook for the period 2024–25 to 2026–27, outlining revised rules, guidelines, and mandatory provisions that institutions must follow. Strict adherence to these norms will be required to ensure transparency and quality in technical education.

This initiative aims to streamline the approval process, prevent misuse of permissions, and uphold the standards of technical education across the country, ensuring that only compliant and eligible institutions are allowed to operate and expand their academic offerings.

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