This refers to your Public Notice vide Advt. No: AICTE/UG/11/43/2003 appeared in the Hindustan Times on Monday, the 17th November, 2003, with regard to extension of approval beyond the academic year 2003-2004 and for introduction of additional courses and/or increase in intake in the existing courses.

In this reference, I have to state that the institutions imparting Architectural Education in India are inspected from time to time by Council of Architecture under the provisions of the Architects Act, 1972, in order to oversee the maintenance of minimum standards as prescribed in the Regulations of 1983. The inspections for the academic session 2003-2004 have already been initiated vide our letter dated 22nd October, 2003. The report of out come of these inspections and recommendations of Council of Architecture are forwarded to the authorities of the institutions, concerned universities and governments and also to AICTE in terms of Memorandum of Understanding signed between Council of Architecture (COA) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), for its necessary action.

I will appreciate if you could be good enough to issue a corrigendum to the above said Public Notice indicating that Schools of Architecture which are falling due for inspection in the academic session 2003-2004 shall be inspected by Council of Architecture and the necessary inspection fees as may be called for by COA may be deposited with them directly. Please also issue necessary directions to the Regional Officers of AICTE to this effect.

As regards introduction of additional courses in existing courses and/or increase of intake, you would appreciate that Council of Architecture evaluates these proposals in terms of the provisions of section 10(k) of AICTE Act and Memorandum of Understanding signed between COA and AICTE. However, evaluation of these proposals is done by COA upon receiving reference from the respective ROs., of AICTE. Thereafter, recommendations are made to AICTE, in case the proposal submitted meets the conditions stipulated for this purpose by COA/AICTE. The evaluation fee of Rs.50, 000/- per proposal is received by COA directly from the institutions. You may please advie your ROs., accordingly.

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully,
Vinod Kumar
Registrar

CC: All Institutions Imparting Architectural Education in India.