In year 2013, University of Delhi launched five B.Tech courses, in Computer Science, Electronics, Instrumentation, Food Technology and Polymer Science. At that time students from all over India flocked into Delhi to get admission to these courses. The admission was through cut-off based on their class twelfth marks. Most colleges over admitted the number of students, as no one knew the colleges would be so much sort after.
It seemed like a good option, students get to study in University of Delhi colleges, (still one of the good university in India) and the cost too was affordable, only Rs10,000/- per semester. Most teachers, teaching B.Tech students were also happy, because after many years they were getting chance to teach students with marks in 90s. All was well.
But, then as it happens all good things come to end, don’t know who was responsible, DUTA, DUSU, or Private Engineering colleges, the government forced DU to roll back and scrap these B.Tech courses.
Now, the issue was of the sole running B.Tech course. There were many voices, many opinions, with many asking for AICTE approval for these courses. Despite statement by then MHRD minister in Rajya Sabha:
Again, only God knows why, but the colleges were told to apply for AICTE approval, which all colleges did, despite less time, thinking at-least our students will get equal opportunity. Colleges had a visit from AICTE Inspection team. Everything seemed fine.
But, now another twist, the colleges were asked to submit an affidavit within six hours, stating college will provide both AICTE qualified faculty and necessary infrastructure to these students. One issue which has been raised time and again if teachers with M.Sc and PhD are qualified enough for teaching B.Tech or not.
According to the link here for Government of India jobs M.Sc in Electronics is equivalent to B.Tech in Electronics, so why should it not be applicable to teaching B.Tech students.
Students are still in dark, colleges still unsure….. Perhaps will know answer in next episode!!!
Update on 24the July 2016:
As per the latest gazette notification from AICTE,
“Those who had started (a) MCA / M.Sc. in Mathematics / Physics / Electronics / Computer Science and allied subjects (b) M. Sc. (Electronic Science) and M. E. (ET & T) (c) M. Sc. (IT) as basic degrees before publication of the AICTE Gazette dated 13th March, 2010 and completed the degree later are eligible for direct recruitment as well as CAS. However, they should have obtained higher qualification like M. Tech. and Ph.D. subsequently as per requirement of the post. “
Thus, most of the existing teachers in DU (possessing either M.Tech or PhD after their masters are now eligible for teaching B.Tech.