CHENNAI: The Higher Education Department has released fresh guidelines for technical institutions to offer diploma programmes designed for working professionals from the academic year 2025-2026, aiming to boost industry–academia collaboration and support workforce upskilling.

A senior Higher Education department official said the initiative is intended to help professionals upgrade their qualifications and technical expertise without interrupting employment, encouraging flexibility and lifelong learning.

According to the Directorate of Technical Education (DoTE) guidelines, every All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)-approved institution can offer up to three diploma programmes under this category. Each course will have a sanctioned intake of 30 seats, with at least one-third (10 candidates) required to commence the programme.

The prescribed annual course fee will range between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000. Institutions have been barred from collecting any additional charges beyond what is approved by DoTE.

The duration of the programme will be a minimum of two years, equivalent to the lateral entry stream, with additional semesters permitted if required. The courses will follow a hybrid learning model, combining online and offline instruction. Candidates must attend in-person sessions at designated intervals, as per AICTE norms.

The Heads of Departments will oversee online classes and attendance, and monthly academic delivery reports must be submitted to the principal for review. Flying squads will conduct semester-wise assessments.

Colleges will also be required to submit annual reports to DoTE detailing admissions, academic progress, and programme outcomes. For industry collaboration, each institution must sign agreements with up to five companies for every course approved under the scheme.