Programme Credit Framework
Category of courses
Course Category Description Credits Range
These courses lay the foundation and focus on basic sciences, mathematics, and
1. Foundational Courses 30–40 credits
introductory engineering principles.
2. Professional Core Courses (PCC) These are discipline-specific courses that form the core of the engineering curriculum 60–70 credits
3. Professional Elective Courses (PEC) These courses allow students to specialize in their area of interest within the discipline 15–20 credits
These are electives that allow students to explore subjects outside their major, encouraging
4. Open Elective Courses (OEC) 10–15 credits
multi-disciplinary learning.
Courses that focus on developing skills in communication, management, ethics, and socio-
5. Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) 10–15 credits
economic understanding.
These are non-credit courses that may include subjects like Environmental Science,
6. Mandatory Courses (MC) 0 credits
Constitution of India, or Professional Ethics.
7. Internship and Industry Exposure Exposure to real-world engineering problems through internships or projects with industry. 2-3 credits
A final year project or thesis that integrates learning and requires students to solve real-
8. Capstone Project or Thesis 8–12 credits
world engineering problems.
Hands-on laboratory sessions for courses in theory to provide practical understanding and
9. Laboratory and Practical Work 15–20 credits
application.
Foundational Courses
Courses designed to build core understanding in basic subjects
Definition like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Basics, and
Basic Computing.
Total Foundational Credits 30–40 Credits (out of total ~170 credits for the program)
Typically Mathematics, Basic Science, and Basic Engineering
Course Types
Principles
Foundational courses are generally placed in Semesters 1-2 and
Semester Distribution
sometimes Semester 3
Course Format Theory (3-0-0) or Theory + Lab (3-0-2)
Continuous evaluation with assignments, tests, and end-
Assessment Mode
semester exams.
Programme Core Courses (PCC)
Parameter AICTE Norm
Credit Range for PCC 60–70 credits (out of total ~160–170)
Purpose To impart core discipline skills and knowledge
Course Types Theory, Theory+Lab (Integrated), Design-based
Focus on problem-solving, design, and hands-on
Pedagogy
learning
Assessment Approach Conceptual
Level From Semester 2 to 7
Programme Elective Courses (PEC)
Aspect AICTE Guideline / Norm
Total PEC Credits 15–20 Credits (out of total 160–170)
Number of PEC Typically 4–6 courses, depending on program duration and specialization
Courses available
PECs are typically offered in Semesters 5 to 7, after foundational
Semester Distribution
courses (PCCs) have been completed
Course Format Theory (3-0-0) or Theory + Lab (3-0-2)
Institution-specific offering based on faculty expertise and industry
Selection
demand
Assessment Mode Theory Exams, Lab Work, Mini Projects, and Assignments
Theory Integrated Lab
L-T-P Weekly Hours Total Credits Remarks
Most commonly used
3-0-2 3 Lecture + 2 Practical 4 credits
format
Balanced for lighter
2-0-2 2 Lecture + 2 Practical 3 credits
theory topics
For more hands-on or
3-0-3 3 Lecture + 3 Practical 4.5–5 credits
core implementation
When tutorials are
2-1-2 2 Lecture + 1 Tut + 2 Prac 4 credits
integrated for design
Open Electives - Semester 5–7
Category Credits Range Description
These courses can be taken from
other departments, universities,
Open Elective Courses (OEC) 9 – 12 credits
or external institutions as part of
online learning (MOOCs).
Most OECs are 3-credit courses
Credit Distribution 3 credits per course with 3-0-0 (Lecture only) or 3-0-2
(Lecture + Lab) formats.
Most universities require at least 4
Open Elective Courses (typically 3
Mandatory Credits for OEC 12 credits (standard) credits each), ensuring that
students gain exposure to other
fields of study.
Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
Component Credits (Range) Remarks
Suggested by AICTE 2023 for
Humanities and Social
10–16 credits B.Tech. (out of total 160–170
Sciences (HSS)
program credits).
Offered across different
Typical Number of HSS
3–5 courses semesters; some compulsory,
Courses
others electives.
Usually in the format of 3-0-0
Credit per HSS Course 3–4 credits/course (Theory) or 2-1-0 (with
tutorials).
Courses on HSS
Semester Course Credits
Semester 1 Professional Communication 3
Environmental Studies / Professional
Semester 2 5-6
Communication
Semester 3 Ethics and Human Values / Universal Values 3
Semester 5 Economics for Engineers (Elective) 3
Semester 6 Constitution of India (Compulsory) 2
Total 15–17
English Communication
Professional Communication
English for Engineers
Technical Communication
Business English
Capstone Project
Aspect Description
A structured, often team-based project that synthesizes and applies
Definition core engineering and soft skills to address a real-life engineering,
societal, or industrial problem.
To promote experiential learning, innovation, and interdisciplinary
Goal
collaboration.
Can be research-based, product/prototype development, case-study,
Nature
or design-oriented.
Typically spans across 1 or 2 semesters in the final year of the B.Tech
Duration
program.
Implementation
Parameter Specification
Year of Implementation Final Year (Sem VII & VIII)
Duration Minimum: 1 Semester; Maximum: 2 Semesters
Credits 6 to 10 credits (usually split across two semesters: 4+6 or 3+6)
Team Size Typically 2–4 students per team
Continuous assessment (mid reviews), final presentation,
Assessment
demo/prototype
Type Preferably interdisciplinary, industry-defined, or research-based
Mentorship Faculty advisor + (optional) industry/NGO mentor
Two semester Model
Semester Activity Credits Components
Topic selection,
Proposal + Mid-term
VII (Part 1) literature review, 3–4
evaluation
initial design
Design, development, Final demo + Report
VIII (Part 2) 6–8
testing, report writing + Viva-voce
Assessment Process components
Component Weightage (%)
Problem identification 10%
Innovation / design 20%
Execution / implementation 30%
Report and documentation 20%
Presentation and viva 20%
