Colleges cannot deny admission to NIOS students, says AICTE

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has cautioned higher education institutions against refusing admission to students who have completed their schooling through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The council reaffirmed that NIOS qualifications are fully valid and equivalent to those issued by other recognised national and state boards.

In an official statement, the technical education regulator said it had received reports that some AICTE-approved institutions were denying admission to students holding NIOS certificates, despite fulfilling the prescribed eligibility requirements. Such practices, the council warned, violate the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and undermine students’ right to pursue higher and professional education.

“The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and is recognised on par with other boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), and various State Boards of School Education,” the AICTE said.

The council emphasised that denying admission to eligible NIOS students constitutes a breach of regulations and could lead to action against erring institutions. It has directed all AICTE-approved colleges and universities to strictly adhere to the policy and ensure that NIOS-qualified candidates are treated at par with students from other recognised boards.

The advisory seeks to promote inclusivity in technical and higher education in line with the NEP’s vision of equitable access to learning opportunities for all.