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Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?

Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?

Edited By Vivek Kumar | Updated on Jul 09, 2025 09:17 AM IST | #B.E /B.Tech

As per UGC guidelines, technical degrees in online mode are not valid in India. The UGC guidelines emphasise accreditation, quality assurance, and the recognition of technical degrees. Though UGC approves institutes to offer online degree courses, it also does not allow technical degrees such as B.Tech and M.Tech to be offered through online mode.

This Story also Contains
  1. Why are Online Technical Degrees Not Valid in India?
  2. Programmes That are Not Valid in Online Mode
  3. Online Technical Degrees For Working Professionals
Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?
Are Online Technical Degrees Valid in India?

Online degrees in India are growing with their flexibility and accessibility. However, concerns about credibility remain, especially for technical degrees in online mode. Students must verify whether the online programme they choose is UGC-recognised in order to ensure its credibility in the job market. UGC-recognised universities use advanced learning management systems and digital tools, allowing students to complete their degrees from the comfort of their homes.

Why are Online Technical Degrees Not Valid in India?

Technical degrees demand a combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. These courses equip students with industry-specific skills, preparing them to become job-ready professionals. For example, a programme such as B.Tech emphasises industry-focused learning, providing students with hands-on practical skills alongside academic knowledge.

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As the curriculum of a technical programme includes laboratory classes and practical learning designed to develop specific skills, UGC has prohibited institutions from offering technical degrees in online mode. This is because technical skills such as database management, machine learning, cloud computing, and programming cannot be learned virtually.

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Learn which programmes are not approved by UGC. Pursuing these online programmes can be a waste of your time and money.

Programmes That are Not Valid in Online Mode

While learning advanced technical skills requires guidance and expert mentoring, UGC has issued a list of technical programmes in India that cannot be pursued online. The table below highlights the streams where technical programmes are prohibited from being offered in an online mode:

Engineering

Law

Medical

Architecture

Physiotherapy

Horticulture

Occupational Therapy and other Para-Medical disciplines

Hotel Management

Pharmacy

Catering Technology

Nursing

Culinary Services

Dental

Aircraft Maintenance and Aviation

Agriculture

Visual Arts and Sports

Tourism and Hospitality Management

Yoga

Other Technical Degrees Not Valid Online

As per UGC guidelines, M.Phil and Ph.D. in all disciplines are prohibited from being offered in online mode by higher educational institutions in India. These programmes involve in-person interactions, hands-on learning, specialised equipment, or fieldwork that cannot be delivered in an online setting.

Therefore, if any student is looking to apply for these degree programmes in an online mode, he or she should first verify the UGC and AICTE approval status and then visit the official website of their chosen institute to confirm additional details.

Read it out if you are also asking questions like Can You Really Become an Engineer Online? The Truth About Online BTech.

Online Technical Degrees For Working Professionals

Several top institutes offer technical degrees through a blended mode. These are Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) and are particularly designed for working professionals to enhance their technical skills without comprising their jobs.

Institutes such as BITS Pilani and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham offer Online B.Tech and Online M.Tech under the Work Integrated Learning Program (WILP). Working professionals must fulfil the specific eligibility criteria defined by these institutes to join an online technical course.

Additionally, candidates should review the course curriculum to ensure that it aligns with their career goals and technical aspirations.

Check if it is worth pursuing an Online MBA after B.Tech.

Online education in India caters to students from different needs and backgrounds. However, students must carefully choose UGC-approved online courses to ensure credibility and value in the job market.

While online technical degrees are prohibited from being pursued in online degree due to practical, hands-on learning requirements, Work Integrated Learning Programmes provide a balanced approach for working professionals to upskill themselves without disrupting their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are online technical courses not valid in India?

Technical courses require hands-on training, specialised equipment, and in-person mentoring, which cannot be fulfilled in virtual class environments.

2. What should students check before enrolling in online programmes?

Students should verify UGC accreditation status, course credibility, eligibility criteria, and other programme details on the institute's official website.

3. Are online degrees recognised by employers in India?

Yes, UGC-approved online degrees are recognised by employers, provided the programme meets industry standards.

4. Can I pursue an engineering course online?

An engineering degree like online BTech is not accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Thus, an engineering course cannot be pursued in online mode.

5. Can working professionals pursue online technical degrees in India?

Yes, working professionals can pursue online B.Tech and online M.Tech programmes under Work Integrated Learning Programme (WILP).

6. Which institutes offer online technical courses?

Institutes such as BITS Pilani, Shri Venkateshwara University, and Lingaya Vidyapeeth University offer WILP B.Tech and M.Tech programmes.

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Questions related to B.E /B.Tech

Have a question related to B.E /B.Tech ?

Hello Avinash,

For BE/B.Tech admission counselling, here is a general overview of the main options and steps:

  1. JoSAA Counselling

  • Covers IITs, NITs, IIITs, and other government-funded institutes.

  • Based on JEE Main and JEE Advanced ranks.

  • Usually starts in June.

  • Process includes online registration, choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, fee payment, and admission confirmation.

  1. State-Level Counselling

  • Each state has its own counselling for seats in state colleges.

  • Examples:

    • Uttar Pradesh (UPTAC) for JEE Main qualified candidates.

    • Tamil Nadu (TNEA) based on Class 12 marks and reservations.

    • Andhra Pradesh (AUEET) with online certificate verification and seat allotment.

  • Registration and counselling dates vary by state.

  1. Private University Counselling

  • Many private universities conduct their own admission tests and counselling.

  • Examples: IIIT Delhi, PES University, Chandigarh University.

  • Process usually involves registration, entrance test (if any), choice filling, seat allotment, and admission.

General Counselling Steps:

  • Register online on the official counselling website.

  • Fill your preferred colleges and courses.

  • Wait for seat allotment based on merit and preferences.

  • Complete document verification.

  • Pay admission fees to confirm your seat.

  • Report to the college to complete admission.

Counselling schedules and processes can change, so check official counselling authorities regularly for updates.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

With a VIT Vellore entrance rank of 52,290 in slot 3, your chances for popular B.Tech courses like Computer Science, Electronics, or Mechanical Engineering are low because these usually require a better rank. However, you can look for other branches like Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Biotechnology. These branches may still have seats available at your rank. It’s best to check the official VIT counselling website for the latest seat availability and options for your rank slot.



With a VITEEE rank of 59,290 in slot 3, getting popular B.Tech courses like Computer Science or Electronics at VIT Vellore is difficult. But you may get other branches like Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Biotechnology at VIT Bhopal or VIT-AP campuses. You can also try courses like BCA or B.Sc in Multimedia. Check the official VIT counselling for available seats and choose the best option for your rank.


With 74.19 percentile in JEE Main 2025, here are some good B.Tech CSE colleges in Delhi NCR you can consider:

1. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) – 64.6K total fees

2. GGSIPU Colleges (like ADGITM, BVCOE, MSIT) – 4.5–6.5 lakhs

3. Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW) – 5.2 lakhs (for girls only)

4. GNIOT, Greater Noida – 1.4 lakhs/year


Apply through JoSAA, IPU CET, or direct admissions where eligible

Hello Alok,

Choosing between CSE or ISE at MSRIT Bangalore and CSE at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore depends on several factors, especially placement opportunities , infrastructure , faculty quality , and location advantages . Here's a comparative overview to help you decide:

1. Placement and Package Prospects :

  • MSRIT Bangalore (CSE/ISE) :

    • Strong Industry Connections : MSRIT is well-known for its industry links, especially in Bangalore, the tech hub of India. The CSE and ISE branches have good placement records.

    • Average Package : Around Rs. 6-8 LPA (varies with batch and skills).

    • Top Companies : Companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft , and local IT firms visit for placements.

  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore (CSE) :

    • Nationally Recognized : Amrita has consistently been ranked among the top private universities for engineering.

    • Average Package : Around Rs. 5-7 LPA with potential for higher packages depending on performance.

    • Top Companies : Companies like Amazon, Cognizant, TCS , and others visit for recruitment.

      2. Infrastructure & Campus Life :

  • MSRIT Bangalore :

    • Location Advantage : Located in Bangalore, close to top tech firms, providing ample internship and networking opportunities.

    • Modern Infrastructure : Well-equipped labs and facilities.

  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore :

    • Strong Campus : Known for its lush campus and world-class facilities.

    • Research Focus : Good emphasis on research and development, which could help in higher studies and specialized fields.

      3. Reputation and Rankings :

  • MSRIT Bangalore : MSRIT is a top engineering college in Karnataka with a solid reputation, especially for Computer Science and Information Science .

  • Amrita Coimbatore : Amrita is consistently ranked highly among private institutions and has a strong focus on engineering education and research .


    4. Location :

  • MSRIT : Being in Bangalore , a city with the highest concentration of tech companies in India, offers great placement opportunities and internship access.

  • Amrita : Located in Coimbatore , it’s slightly more isolated but still provides ample opportunities through on-campus recruitment .

    5. Final Recommendation :

  • If placement opportunities and access to top tech companies are your primary concern, MSRIT Bangalore could be a better option, especially because of its location in Bangalore.

  • If you prefer a holistic environment with a strong research focus and are looking for a slightly less competitive environment, Amrita Coimbatore is also an excellent choice.

Ultimately, both are good institutions, but if your goal is industry placement , MSRIT might offer a slight edge due to its proximity to the tech ecosystem in Bangalore.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

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