Indore: A fresh row has emerged ahead of B.Ed admission counselling for 2026–27 academic session in Indore, with private college operators objecting to a new affiliation requirement introduced by higher education department.
Under the revised rule, only those colleges that have secured formal university affiliation before the start of counselling will be included in the choice-filling list.
This marks a departure from the earlier practice, where institutions recognised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) were provisionally allowed to participate, while university affiliation was completed later.
College operators argue that the move is impractical, as the affiliation process at the university level is still underway. They point out that inspections and documentation are ongoing, and affiliation letters are unlikely to be issued before counselling begins. As a result, many institutions risk being excluded from the admission process despite meeting regulatory norms.
Representatives of private B.Ed colleges, including members of Devi Ahilya Private Education College Operators Association, have submitted a memorandum to senior officials and university authorities, seeking clarity and reconsideration.
“This technical condition could deprive students of fair choice, even if they qualify on merit,” said a representative, stressing that the rule may narrow available options significantly.
Officials, however, maintain that the requirement aims to ensure transparency and academic compliance from the outset, preventing uncertainties later in the admission cycle.
Students are likely to bear the immediate impact if a large number of colleges do not appear on the counselling portal. With fewer institutions available for selection, candidates may have limited access to preferred colleges, raising concerns about both equity and accessibility.
With counselling scheduled to begin soon, stakeholders are now awaiting a possible revision or extension of timelines to resolve the impasse.
