AICTE Warns Colleges Against Denying Admission To Students Passed From NIOS

AICTE warns colleges not to deny admission to students with NIOS qualifications. (Representative/File)

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has issued a strict warning to higher education institutions across India about their admission practices for students who completed schooling through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The council stressed that NIOS qualifications are fully valid and must be treated the same as certificates from other recognised boards like CBSE, ICSE, and state boards.

This advisory follows several complaints from students who were reportedly denied admission even though they met all the eligibility requirements.

“It has been brought to the notice of the Council that some AICTE-approved higher education institutions have denied admission to students who have passed their examination through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), despite these students fulfilling the prescribed eligibility criteria,” the council said.

AICTE stated that denying admission to such students goes against the rules set under the National Education Policy (NEP) and violates their right to pursue higher and professional education. The regulator also clarified the status of NIOS, saying, “NIOS is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is recognised on par with other national and state boards such as CBSE, CISCE, and State Boards of School Education.”