The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has issued a firm directive to all higher education institutions, insisting that students holding National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) certificates must be granted admission on the same terms as their peers from other recognized boards.

The council cautioned that denying entry to NIOS-qualified students, even if they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, violates the National Education Policy and infringes upon students’ rights to higher education.

“It has come to our attention that some AICTE-approved institutions have rejected admissions for students who cleared their examinations through NIOS, despite fulfilling eligibility requirements,” the council stated.

Highlighting the legitimacy of NIOS, the AICTE clarified that it is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, recognized on par with CBSE, CISCE, and various state boards.

The council directed institutions to treat NIOS students equitably and ensure they are not subjected to discriminatory admission practices.