Sun Nov 17 01:35:00 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Tightens Reins on Engineering Colleges: NOC Mandate for New Programs and Increased Seats

**Bengaluru, November 17, 2024** – Karnataka has implemented a new regulation requiring all private engineering colleges to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from both the state government and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) before starting new colleges, launching new courses, or increasing student intake. This rule, effective from the 2025-26 academic year, aims to address concerns about an oversaturation of engineering colleges and specific courses, particularly in major cities.

Previously, institutions directly approached the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for approvals. However, the state government, citing AICTE’s lenient approach, expressed concerns about an imbalance in technical education across Karnataka. Despite requesting AICTE to mandate a state-level NOC, the recommendation was reportedly rejected.

The new regulation makes obtaining an NOC from both the Department of Technical Education and VTU a prerequisite even for applying to AICTE. VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar clarified that only seats and courses with the required NOCs will be included in the annual seat matrix. This significant change is expected to substantially impact private engineering colleges across the state. The move comes as VTU invited applications for its annual affiliation process, including new college affiliations and research center recognition.

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