As first reported by MBAUniverse.com on November 8, 2023, AICTE has begun effectively regulating the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) courses in India. AICTE Chairman has revealed that more than 4,200 institutions have applied to AICTE for approval of their BBA/BMS program. Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE made this announcement on April 24, 2024 during the release of AICTE Model Curriculum for BBA/BMS program. AICTE had released the Approval Process 2024-25 Handbook on December 6, 2023 which included BBA, BMS and BCA programs for approval.
Speaking at release of AICTE Model Curriculum for BBA program in New Delhi, AICTE Chairman Prof Sitharam said: “For the first time in the history of higher education of independent India, AICTE has brought BBA and BMS programs under its purview from academic year 2024.” He added, “I am happy to share that more than more than 4,200 institutions have applied for AICTE approval of their BBA/BMS program for coming academic session.” AICTE is expected to give approval to almost all the existing BBA and BMS programs to avoid any uncertainly and disruptions.
AICTE launches model curriculum framework for BBA programs
During the virtual meeting on April 24, 2024, that was attended by AICTE model curriculum committee members and office bearers of various institutions, Prof Sitharam inaugurated the Model Curriculum Framework for BBA program including BBA Honors and BBA Honors with Research programs. Members of the Expert Committee, appointed by AICTE to develop the curriculum, were present at the launch. The committee, headed by Vice Chancellor of Ambedkar University, Delhi, Prof. Anu Singh Lather, includes both academic professionals and industry experts.
AICTE BBA Curriculum Salient Features
Here are the salient features of model BBA Curriculum launched by AICTE.
1. Flexible duration and structure
- Flexible duration: three to four years
- Structured semesters: 6 or 8 semesters, depending on the choice of a 3-year or 4-year degree, providing a well-organised framework for learning
- Multiple Entry and Exit points: Exit the programme at various stages, accommodating diverse educational paths, career goals and availability of manpower of different maturity and skillsets.
2. Comprehensive credit distribution
- 120 credits for a 3-year programme/160 credits for a 4-year (Honours/Honours with Research)
- Multidisciplinary-Humanities and Social Sciences, Management, Programme Core, Electives
- Skill enhancement courses, ability enhancement courses, value added courses, Indian Knowledge System
- Open electives to provide flexibility and breadth of learning
- Experiential learning through projects, seminars and internships
- Designed to cultivate well-rounded professionals with practical and industry-ready skills.
3. The integrative course structure includes
- Integrative induction programme
- Mandatory visits to workshops
- Expert lectures: Insights from industry professionals/ subjects experts to enrich the educational experience.
4. Diverse specialisations and practical exposure
Specialisations in emerging areas through open electives practical experience gained through structured internships project work opportunities to apply through real-world scenarios.
- Research orientation for Honours students
- BBA (Honours/Honours with Research) programme
- Includes dissertation component
- Preparing students for ethical, social, and organisational leadership
AICTE regulation to boost BBA Education in India
While the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) and equivalent undergraduate management programs like BBS and BMS, are as popular as the MBA and PGDM Program, the overall standards of bachelor’s management programs in India are a lot lower than post graduate management programs. Part of the reason is the education policy conundrum – while specialized technical education body All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has effectively regulated the MBA/PGDM programs for many decades; it was the big brother University Grant Commission (UGC) which regulated the BBA program. This has now changed… Much like MBA/PGDM programs, now AICTE is to regulate BBA, BBM programs.
AICTE Chairman made first announcement at IMC 2023
The first announcement of this change that AICTE to regulate BBA, BBM, was made at the 13th INDIAN MANAGEMENT CONCLAVE (IMC) 2023, organized by MBAUniverse.com and hosted by SPJIMR Mumbai on Oct 13-14. Delivering the Valedictory Address, Dr T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE announced that AICTE is bringing UG Management programs, like BBA, into its purview and from 2024 BBA Degree is to come under AICTE
While releasing the IMC Whitepaper, AICTE Chairman Dr Sitharam said, “As highlighted in this Whitepaper, size of Undergraduate Management Education in India is as big as Post Graduate MBA/PGDM programs. Since approval for all PG management programs is already being given by AICTE for many decades now, we will bring the approval of UG Management programs, like BBA, into the purview of AICTE. This will facilitate better integration between UG and PG management programs in India and give impetus to management education in India.” Several media houses including the Times of India and Hindustan Times covered this announcement.
AICTE set to take many steps to promote BBA education
Along with the release of model curriculum, AICTE has announced a scholarship for female students in BBA courses at AICTE-approved institutions. AICTE will be conducting many Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) for teachers teaching the BBA programs in India.
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on BBA and UG management education.
