The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved the progressive closure of 58 engineering and technical colleges across India during the 2025–26 academic year, citing reasons such as declining student enrolment, shortage of qualified faculty, inadequate infrastructure, and non-compliance with regulatory standards. While these institutions will no longer admit new first-year students, AICTE has clarified that currently enrolled students will be allowed to complete their degree programmes without disruption.
According to AICTE officials, progressive closure is a phased process designed to protect students’ academic interests. Unlike complete closure, where institutions cease operations entirely and students are shifted to other colleges, progressive closure permits existing batches to continue their education while preventing fresh admissions. The move is intended to ensure a smooth transition without affecting the careers of students already pursuing their courses.
State-wise data shows that Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra recorded the highest number of closures, with 12 institutions each. They were followed by Madhya Pradesh (8), Telangana (4), and Punjab (4). Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan reported three closures each, while Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu saw two institutions shut down. Haryana, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal recorded one closure each. Of the 58 institutions, only three were government-aided, with the remaining being privately managed colleges.
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In addition to institutional closures, AICTE revealed that more than 950 engineering and technical courses were discontinued during the same academic year. The regulator explained that colleges seeking closure are evaluated based on multiple parameters, including academic quality, faculty availability, infrastructure, and compliance with prescribed norms. Institutions failing to meet these benchmarks may be granted progressive closure as part of efforts to maintain quality standards in technical education.
The decision reflects AICTE’s broader strategy to strengthen the quality of technical education by encouraging sustainable institutions while phasing out those unable to maintain the required standards. Officials believe the measure will improve the overall quality of engineering education and ensure that students receive instruction in institutions equipped with adequate academic and infrastructural resources.
