Study B.Tech in the Evening: A Flexible Option for Working Professionals
The opportunity to pursue a B.Tech degree while working full-time is now available. You can balance your job and education by attending weekend classes and completing your engineering degree. Study B.Tech in the Evening Approved by AICTE
Study B.Tech in the Evening Approved by AICTE
Evening B.Tech Program Approved Nationwide
Last academic year, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approved evening B.Tech courses across the country for the 2023-24 academic session. A total of 137 engineering colleges received permission to conduct these classes, including Osmania University (OU) Engineering College in the state. While AICTE approved 11 private engineering colleges in the state, they did not receive state government approval last year. This year, however, officials anticipate that these colleges, along with a few others, will get the green light.
B.Tech Distance Education
Important note: B.Tech degrees obtained through distance education are not valid in India. This article explains the reasons behind this regulation and offers alternative options for pursuing a B.Tech degree.
What is AICTE and Why is its Approval Important?
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is a government body responsible for regulating technical education in India. Its approval ensures that universities and colleges maintain specific quality standards for their engineering programs.
B.Tech is a technical degree that requires practical training alongside theoretical knowledge. Distance education programs, which primarily focus on online learning, cannot provide the necessary hands-on experience crucial for engineering fields.
Therefore, AICTE does not approve B.Tech programs offered through distance education mode.
Supreme Court Ruling on B.Tech Distance Education
In 2019, the Supreme Court of India declared B.Tech degrees obtained through distance education as invalid. This decision recognized the importance of practical training for B.Tech graduates and aimed to protect students from falling prey to misleading institutions offering fake degrees.
Are There Any Valid B.Tech Distance Education Programs?
Unfortunately, there are no valid B.Tech distance education programs in India. Any university or college claiming to offer such a program is likely misleading students. Be cautious of such institutions and avoid enrolling in their programs.
Alternative Options for Pursuing a B.Tech Degree
If you’re interested in obtaining a B.Tech degree, here are some valid options to consider:
- Regular B.Tech Programs: Enroll in a full-time, on-campus B.Tech program offered by a reputable university recognized by AICTE. These programs provide a comprehensive curriculum with a strong emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of engineering.
- B.Tech Lateral Entry Programs: If you hold a diploma in engineering, you can pursue a B.Tech degree through lateral entry programs. These programs are designed for diploma holders and typically take less time to complete compared to regular B.Tech programs.
- Part-Time B.Tech Programs: Some universities offer part-time B.Tech programs that cater to working professionals. These programs allow you to study alongside your job commitments. However, part-time programs may still require attending in-person classes for practical training sessions.
Rising Demand Among Polytechnic Graduates
Polytechnic diploma holders show a strong demand for continuing their education. Around 90% of these students opt for lateral entry into the second year of B.Tech right after completing their diploma, seeking higher salaries and better job opportunities. They believe that delaying their B.Tech or M.Tech could reduce future opportunities, hence they prefer to start immediately after their diploma.
In response to the demands of thousands of diploma holders working across the country, AICTE granted approval for evening B.Tech courses starting last academic year. To enroll in these evening courses, a minimum of one year of work experience is mandatory. Students can join directly into the second year of the B.Tech program, with each branch accommodating 30 to 60 seats.
Evening Classes and Course Structure
Osmania University initiated evening classes in Civil, Mechanical, and AI & ML courses last year, with AICTE approving an additional Electrical branch this year. Each branch offers 30 seats, and classes are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays. A minimum of 10 students per course is required to start the classes. An official stated that by June 10, the number of colleges permitted to offer evening courses this year will be confirmed. The Civil and Mechanical branches received excellent responses last year, with all seats filled, as noted by Professor Sriram Venkatesh, Secretary of the State Higher Education Council and former Principal of OU Engineering College. Notifications for these programs are expected to be released soon.
Conclusion
Balancing work and education is now feasible with the introduction of evening B.Tech courses. These programs cater to the needs of working professionals, offering them the flexibility to advance their education and career simultaneously. As more colleges gain approval to offer these courses, the options for working individuals to enhance their qualifications and job prospects continue to expand.
