Edtech Startups Are Warned By The AICTE UGC That Their Courses Are Not Approved
In India, the government does not oppose Edutech companies in India, but they can’t offer distance Diploma and degrees, according to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Due to their concerns, the TER and the UGC warned universities and colleges against collaborating with ed-tech companies to deliver distant learning and online courses.
In accordance with TER and UGC, no franchise agreement can be entered into. We don’t hate edtech companies, but they shouldn’t be allowed to encroach upon other industries, can’t offer distance Diploma and degrees
The PTI reported that we approved universities and institutions to offer degree and certificate programmes, but they should do so independently and not allow private enterprises to do so. The outsourcing of jobs will be prevented.
Ed-Tech Companies in India can’t offer distance diploma and degree courses: AICTE Chairman
Mr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, the Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education has shared his views on the courses provided by the Ed-tech companies. He underlined the boundaries of Ed-tech companies and said that they should not delve into areas, that are not under their domain such as providing diploma and degree courses. The government is not against Ed-Tech companies and their work.
However, their concern is that the companies need to be recognized by the UGC or AICTE. Anyhow, the education ministries have given the approval to universities and colleges to provide degree and diploma programs but they have to offer them from their own side and not depend on private companies or any third parties.
The AICTE Chairman has closely observed the private and Ed-Tech companies and he found that they were releasing advertisements of providing courses like MBA and MCA. On this thing, he spells out that these all are postgraduation courses which merely can be offered by universities and recognized colleges.
A MBA – MCA program offered by IIM Can’t be offered by Edutech companies
The corporations are advertising directly and offering MBA and MCA programs, said Anil Sahastrabuddhe. There are only a few colleges and universities that offer postgraduate computer applications and management programs. Similarly, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) cannot award management degrees, only diplomas. Is this something that ed-tech companies can provide?
CONSULT PRIOR TO ENROLLING
Students and parents are advised to check the accreditation status of any course before enrolling on the websites of the UGC and AICTE. Sahasrabuddhe said that I do not ignore the importance of entrepreneurship companies in the ed-tech space, particularly those founded by graduates from our accredited colleges. Certificates for talent and training are available, but can’t offer distance Diploma and degrees are not. The use of ed-tech businesses’ platforms by institutions to deliver classes and online tests is great, but not beyond that and not as a franchise.
It was recommended by the Ministry of Education.
Parents and children who work with ed-tech companies are advised earlier this month by the education ministry to be cautious when paying. The ministry warned students, teachers, and parents to use ed-tech businesses’ online content and coaching with caution. A collection of corporations created a collective India under the cover of the industry body Internet and Mobile Association this month. This raised concerns about many of these companies engaging in various forms of commercial corruption to acquire customers. A consortium of educational technology companies called EdTech. Joining IEC is only possible through one method. The code of conduct was shared.
Introducing students to the teaching system
Sumesh Nair, CEO and co-founder of Board Infinity, said the UGC’s decision to ban franchise agreements is a major blow to all companies delivering distance learning courses. In partnership with renowned universities and institutes, it offers online education. Harsh Bharwani, CEO of Jetking Infotrain, welcomed the move. According to him, skill institutes should emphasize their ability to bridge industry and academia. Students should be academically prepared to enter the workforce. In order for the education ecosystem to work optimally, it must coexist rather than compete. Neither ed-tech nor academia would benefit if they are combined.