A major controversy has emerged over PTC/D.El.Ed admissions in Gujarat, with allegations that students were allotted seats in around 70 colleges whose recognition had reportedly been withdrawn. The issue has raised serious concerns over the validity of students’ courses and their future eligibility for government teacher recruitment.
The controversy comes amid growing interest in teacher-training courses after the Gujarat government announced in 2024 its plan to recruit 97,227 teachers by 2033. Following the announcement, admissions to the PTC/D.El.Ed course, which had been witnessing declining enrolment, reportedly increased significantly.
Students allegedly admitted to cancelled colleges
According to the allegations, students were allotted to around 70 PTC colleges despite their recognition having been withdrawn.
The first-year examinations of students enrolled in these institutions were also conducted, and mark sheets were subsequently issued.The issue reportedly dates back to the 2025-26 admission process.
The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), which regulates teacher education institutions, had made submission of the Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) mandatory for colleges. Institutions that failed to submit the required report were marked as having their recognition withdrawn on the NCTE portal.Several affected colleges approached the Gujarat High Court and Delhi High Court challenging the action.
Interim relief was reportedly granted to some institutions, allowing them to admit students for the 2025-26 academic year.However, allegations have now surfaced that students were subsequently allotted to around 70 colleges whose recognition had reportedly been cancelled years earlier, between 2011 and 2014.
Questions over NCTE records
The allegations also raise questions about changes to the recognition status of these institutions on the NCTE’s digital portal. It has been alleged that cancellation orders were removed or replaced with older recognition documents.
Under NCTE procedures, restoration of recognition requires the relevant process and documentation to be reflected on the official portal. Questions have therefore been raised over whether the required records and meeting proceedings are available for these colleges.
There are also allegations of financial irregularities and possible collusion involving certain colleges and outsourced personnel. These claims, however, require investigation and official verification.
Who will be responsible if students’ degrees are rejected?
The Primary Education Department had reportedly obtained written undertakings from the colleges stating that legal action could be taken if irregularities were found. Despite this, questions have been raised over how students were allegedly allotted seats in institutions whose recognition status was in question.
The fact that the issue reportedly involves around 70 colleges has intensified demands for a detailed investigation rather than treating the matter as an isolated administrative error.
The biggest concern is now the future of the affected students. With first-year examinations conducted and results or mark sheets issued, students may face difficulties later if their qualifications are questioned during document verification for government teacher recruitment.
Students and their families are therefore seeking clarity from the Gujarat government, the State Examination Board and the NCTE on whether the education and certificates obtained through these colleges will be considered valid.
A transparent investigation is needed to determine who approved the admissions, why students were allotted to the colleges and who will be responsible if students suffer academic or career losses because of the alleged irregularities.