Maharashtra Among Highest as 58 Engineering Colleges Shut Across India in 2025-26
Maharashtra Among Highest as 58 Engineering Colleges Shut Across India in 2025-26
AICTE says low admissions, faculty shortages and non-compliance with norms led to closures; existing students can complete their courses.
Pune: Maharashtra has emerged as one of the states with the highest number of engineering and technical college closures in the 2025-26 academic year, with 12 institutions shutting down, according to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Uttar Pradesh also recorded 12 closures, the highest in the country.
A total of 58 engineering and technical institutions across India underwent closure during the academic year. AICTE clarified that the affected colleges will not admit new first-year students, but students already enrolled will be allowed to complete their degrees without disruption.
For students and parents in Maharashtra, the development highlights the changing landscape of technical education, where the emphasis is gradually shifting from increasing the number of institutions to improving quality, employability and industry relevance.
According to AICTE, the closures were driven by several factors, including low student enrolment, inability to maintain the required number of qualified faculty members, non-compliance with infrastructure and operational norms, and financial viability concerns. The regulator also noted that many engineering colleges are struggling as students increasingly choose emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and interdisciplinary programmes over conventional engineering streams.
After Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh recorded seven closures, Telangana six and Punjab five, while the remaining closures were spread across other states.
AICTE explained that these institutions are undergoing “progressive closure”, which means they will stop admitting new batches but continue operating until existing students complete their courses. This approach ensures that enrolled students are not forced to change colleges midway through their education.
The regulator also reported that more than 950 engineering and technical courses were discontinued across the country during the same period. AICTE distinguishes progressive closure from complete closure, where an institution is shut entirely and affected students are transferred to other colleges.
The trend reflects broader changes in India’s technical education sector as institutions adapt to shifting industry requirements and student preferences. While some colleges are closing due to declining demand, others are introducing specialised, industry-oriented programmes to remain competitive in an evolving job market.
Disclaimer: Students seeking admission should verify the latest AICTE approval status and admission eligibility of institutions before applying.
