All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE) is the statutory Body and a national-level Council for technical education, under Department of Higher Education,Ministry of Human Resource Development.

It is responsible for proper planning and coordinated development of the Technical Education and Management Education System in India.

AICTE accredits postgraduate and graduate Programs under Specific Categories at Indian Institutions as per its charter.

University Grants Commission (UGC) is the statutory Body of the Government of India, which has the unique distinction of being the only Grant-Giving Agency in the country which has been vested with two responsibilities: that of Providing funds and that of coordination, determination and maintenance of standards in institution of higher education.

The AICTE, which was established in November 1945, has its headquarters in New Delhi. The UGC was established in 1956 as a statutory body of the Union Government.


While technical institutions are overlooked by the AICTE, the other universities and colleges fall under the UGC.



UGC and AICTE are two apex organisations that cater for the higher studies in India.

One of the main differences between University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), is that the later one basically deals with technical education.

If you are opting for a University program/ institute approved by University, then the priority should be given to the UGC approved University as this provide you with a valid education; but if you are looking for the technical education then you should consider going for the AICTE approved course as your priority.