At over 95,000, engineering diploma programmes see highest enrolment numbers in five years

MUMBAI: Enrolment in diploma programmes has soared to close to a lakh, reflecting the popularity of these programmes as also highlighting the preferred route to take for engineering studies.
As many as 95,246 students have enrolled in engineering diploma courses, commonly known as polytechnic courses, run by the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) after completing class 10. These courses are also favoured due to the ease of securing employment after course completion.

During the academic year 2020-21, these courses were offered by 376 institutes, now numbering 400.The admission process for the current year began in June, and the state's higher and technical education department launched the ‘School Connect' initiative to boost diploma enrolment.
The DTE said e-outreach led to record high enrolments. All diploma courses are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and have been aligned with the new National Education Policy (NEP) since last year. These courses are outcome-based, with credits awarded to students upon completion of each subject. Additionally, students have the option to learn and take exams in both Marathi and English.
The diploma programmes span three years, after which students can pursue degree courses or transition to roles ranging from supervisor to manager. According to the DTE, the increasing preference for these diplomas is due to their direct link to employment opportunities.