The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has issued a strict warning to Indian higher education institutions (HEIs), cautioning against the refusal of admissions to students who have undergone schooling through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The action is meant to reaffirm the equal validity of the NIOS certificates in comparison to those of CBSE, ICSE, and other state boards.
NIOS Students Should Not Be Discriminated Against
In its official announcement, AICTE brought to the fore reports of some colleges denying admission to those holding NIOS certificates despite them fulfilling the stipulated eligibility requirements. The council stated categorically that discriminatory practices in this regard go against national education policies and breach the rights of students to pursue higher education.
"NIOS is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is recognised at par with other national and state boards such as CBSE, CISCE, and State Boards of School Education. NIOS certificates are valid for admission to all universities, engineering colleges, and professional institutions as per the norms of MoE, UGC, and AICTE," reads the notification.
Official Guidelines for HEIs
The council stipulated that:
-NIOS certificates are equivalent to qualifications from CBSE, CISCE, and other state boards.
-All AICTE-approved courses are available to students with valid NIOS credentials.
-Any refusal of admission to students of NIOS is unjustified and non-compliant with AICTE norms.
AICTE has directed all institutions of higher learning to follow equal admission practices, treating students of NIOS on an equal footing with students of other recognised boards. Institutions not following this directive could face regulatory action.
Fostering Inclusivity in Higher Education
The move underscores AICTE’s commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and fairness in the Indian education system, ensuring that students pursuing alternative education pathways like NIOS have the same opportunities as those from traditional boards.
