58 Engineering Colleges Shut Across India in 2025-26: AICTE
Fifty-eight engineering and technical colleges across India were shut down during the 2025-26 academic year, according to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The closures are part of a 'progressive closure' process, which means the institutions cannot admit first-year students for the academic year, but existing students will be allowed to complete their degrees.
A senior AICTE official confirmed the number, stating that the closures occurred for various reasons. The official emphasised that the progressive closure ensures no disruption for current students, who will continue their education until graduation.
The AICTE is the statutory national-level apex advisory body and regulator for technical education in India. It oversees programs in engineering, architecture, management, and pharmacy, ensuring quality assurance and maintenance of standards. The agency's data shows that Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra account for the highest number of closures, though the exact state-wise breakdown was not provided in the initial report.
This development highlights ongoing challenges in the technical education sector, including regulatory compliance, infrastructure, and declining enrolment in some regions. The AICTE continues to monitor and assess the quality of technical institutions across the country.
