AICTE Directs Colleges to Admit NIOS Students, Cites Equal Recognition

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has instructed all higher education institutions to admit students who have passed through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), provided they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. This move ensures that NIOS students are treated equally with students from other recognised boards such as CBSE, CISCE, and state boards.

The council highlighted that some AICTE-approved institutions have been denying admission to NIOS students despite their eligibility. The AICTE emphasised that such practices violate the National Education Policy (NEP) directives and infringe on students’ rights to pursue higher education.

Key Points on AICTE NIOS Directive

• Recognition: NIOS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and its qualifications are valid for higher and professional education.
• Equality: Students with NIOS certificates must be considered on par with students of CBSE, CISCE, or State Boards for all AICTE-approved courses.
• Compliance: All technical and higher education institutions must ensure adherence to AICTE instructions and not reject eligible NIOS candidates.
• Policy Alignment: This directive aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which promotes inclusive and equitable access to higher education.

The AICTE’s notice aims to safeguard the rights of open schooling students and prevent any discrimination in admissions. Institutions are advised to update their admission policies and processes accordingly to comply with these guidelines.