CHENNAI: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has warned students and parents against enrolling in edtech companies that do have unauthorised franchise agreements with universities and educational institutions.

In an announcement, AICTE said that some edtech companies advertise in newspapers, social media and TV, about courses in engineering, technology, management, applied arts and crafts, computer applications and more through conventional, open and distance learning and online modes.

“Such arrangements have no permission from the council,” it added, and advised students, parents and other stakeholders to verify the recognition status of institutions and courses in the AICTE official website. Also, AICTE has clarified that it would not approve any edtech companies that merely collaborated with a university or any educational institution, and entered into a partnership franchise arrangement. “Qualifications from unapproved institutions or programmes will not have the required recognition. Such programmes will not be acceptable for higher studies or jobs where AICTE approval is mandatory,” it stated.

The council has also provided a mechanism for students, parents who have already enrolled in such programmes to file complaints through its official website. The announcement comes amid educational institutions and private companies claiming to have entered into partnership and offering professional courses by using online and distance learning platforms.