The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is collaborating with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to relaunch five discontinued engineering programs through a blended learning format, more than ten years after they were phased out. This initiative marks a significant step toward making technical education more accessible and affordable.
A special committee led by IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nageshwar Rao has been formed to assess the viability of this revival. The panel is expected to submit its findings within a month.
The proposed courses for revival include the Diploma in Civil Engineering (General), Diploma in Computer Science and Technology (DCST), Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (DME), BTech programs, and a comprehensive Diploma in Engineering and Technology.
AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam emphasized the transformative role of blended learning in the technical education landscape. He explained that students will undertake theoretical classes online, while practical training will require on-campus attendance for approximately three weeks per term. The remaining nine weeks will be conducted online, leveraging digital tools such as virtual and augmented reality for lab simulations and experiments.
“Blended learning is not just a trend—it’s the future of technical education,” Prof. Sitharam remarked. “This approach offers flexibility, reduces the overall cost of education, and enhances reach, especially for students in remote areas.”
The initiative follows multiple meetings held by the committee since its formation in January. AICTE has also submitted a formal proposal to the Ministry of Education, seeking its concurrence before proceeding with the relaunch of these programs.
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Historically, IGNOU had offered BTech and Diploma courses through distance learning as part of its Vertically Integrated Engineering Programme (VIEP). However, these programs were discontinued after a 2009 directive from the Ministry of Education prohibited the delivery of technical education through distance learning. This was reinforced in 2012 by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Distance Education Council (DEC), leading to the complete phase-out of engineering offerings by IGNOU.
If approved, this new blended learning model could pave the way for a more inclusive and modern approach to engineering education in India.
