Last Updated:
Now, fees will be finalised considering six key criteria, ensuring that the fees requested by colleges are scrutinized and adjusted if necessary by the Fee Regulatory Commission.
The government will set fees for private engineering and vocational colleges every three years. (Representative image/File)
Significant changes are imminent for engineering education in Telangana. Traditionally, engineering education has been viewed as four years of instruction leading to a degree. However, this perspective is set to transform dramatically. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has consistently stressed the importance of students not only learning the curriculum but also acquiring job-specific skills during their education. His vision is now being implemented.
CM Revanth Reddy, who oversees the education department, has repeatedly emphasised in review meetings that students should be prepared to secure jobs immediately after graduation. Following these directives, education department officials have been diligently working over the past three months.
After extensive discussions, meetings, and analysis of the current situation, they have formulated a new fee policy aimed at enhancing the quality of engineering education. This new policy will overhaul how fees are determined for colleges. The government will set fees for private engineering and vocational colleges every three years. Although the fee hike was originally scheduled for this year, it has been postponed to next year to allow for the introduction of the new policy.
A high-level committee, chaired by Telangana Council of Higher Education President Acharya Balakishta Reddy, was formed and has submitted a comprehensive report. Based on this report, Education Secretary Yogitharana officially released the new guidelines on Thursday. Previously, fees were determined solely based on the operating expenses and audit reports provided by the colleges. Now, fees will be finalised considering six key criteria, ensuring that the fees requested by colleges are scrutinised and adjusted if necessary by the Fee Regulatory Commission (FRC). This will enhance control over college management and provide fairness to students and parents.
The primary objective of this new policy is to elevate the quality of engineering education. The FRC’s focus will expand from staff qualifications and facilities to the standards of education provided to students. Factors such as student attendance, academic performance, campus placements, and post-graduation job opportunities will be crucial. Colleges will now need to demonstrate that students progress in their careers after graduation.
Additionally, technology-based reforms like facial recognition attendance (FRS) systems for accurate student attendance records and Aadhaar-based online payment systems for fee collection will be mandatory, enhancing transparency and reducing corruption.
The government is also prioritising the research sector, considering factors like publication of articles in national and international journals, new discoveries, patents, and support for startups in the fee determination process. National and international rankings of colleges will also be a key criterion. The FRC will ensure colleges implement the technical education plans set by the state government; non-compliance will result in penalties for the colleges.
Under the new guidelines, 160 engineering colleges across the state must present their comprehensive details to the FRC between August 25 and September 3. The FRC has already notified all colleges. In a key meeting held at the FRC office on Thursday, attended by FRC Chairman Justice Gopal Reddy, Education Secretary Yogitharana, Technical Education Commissioner Sridevasena, Higher Education Council President Acharya Balakishta Reddy, and other senior officials, the decision was finalised.
The newly established fees will take effect from the upcoming academic year and remain in place for three years. These changes aim to ensure quality education for students and promote transparency in college operations.
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in …Read More
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in … Read More
Read More
