Sectors may follow Navy's lead in hiring

Hyderabad: The Indian Navy in its recruitment notification has clearly conveyed to job applicants that only engineering graduates from AICTE-approved engineering colleges should apply for the vacant posts. Experts have pointed out that for students studying in unrecognised deemed universities it would be tough since many deemed universities did not obtain AICTE approval.

Experts said that AICTE was a national-level body and ensured uniform standards and norms were followed in technical courses. So, the Indian Navy wanted to ensure that the recruited candidates were from these institutions.

In a recent job notification the Indian Navy stated, “Indian Navy invites online applications for Short Service Commission (SSC) officers from unmarried eligible male and female candidates who have passed Engineering Degree or are in the final year of an engineering course in any discipline from an AICTE recognized University or educational institute with at least 60 per cent marks till fifth or seventh semester in regular and integrated courses respectively.”

President of the All India Federation of Self-Financing Technical Institutions (AIFSTI) Professor Srini Bhupalam said, “Going forward many more government and private sector companies would follow the same norms. Students of Gitam and Symbiosis cannot apply to the Indian Navy because GITAM and Symbiosis do not have AICTE approval.”

Education expert Professor G V K Reddy said, “It’s a great opportunity for graduating engineering students, both boys and girls. For the first time the job notification mentions AICTE approved institutions only. Basically, this means all those students from Deemed Universities that do not have AICTE approval will not be eligible for these positions. Further, they will not be eligible to pursue higher studies in India or abroad. I think we should educate parents about the potential consequences.”

 The respective colleges were not available for comment.