Aligning Global and Quality Standards: The Contribution of ABET Accreditation to the Indian Education System

By Ch. Sandeep, Associate Professor, School of CS & AI, SR University, Warangal, Telangana – 506371 | ch.sandeep@sru.edu.in

In an era marked by rapid globalization, quality control and academic standardization are paramount in higher education. As India aspires to become a global hub for technical education and innovation, aligning its academic framework with internationally recognized standards is crucial. One such benchmark is the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accreditation. Although ABET originated in the United States, its influence has expanded worldwide, including to India, where the technical education sector is growing at an unprecedented pace.

The Need for Global Standards in Indian Engineering Education

India boasts a vast and diverse technical education landscape, with over 10,000 institutions accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and more than 3,500 offering engineering and technology programs. Each year, these institutions produce over 1.5 million engineering graduates. Despite these impressive numbers, concerns remain over the quality and employability of graduates. According to a 2023 study by Aspiring Minds (a subsidiary of SHL), only 45% of Indian engineering graduates are employable in core engineering roles.

This discrepancy between quantity and quality underscores the need for an internationally benchmarked quality assurance framework—one that can bridge this gap and bring Indian engineering education in line with global standards. ABET accreditation, known for its rigorous evaluation methods based on outcomes-based education, continuous improvement, and stakeholder involvement, offers such a framework.

What ABET Brings to the Table

To receive ABET accreditation, an institution must demonstrate that its programs prepare graduates to enter the global workforce successfully. The evaluation criteria include curriculum structure, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, facilities, industry relevance, and internal evaluation mechanisms. This results in programs that not only meet international quality benchmarks but are also attuned to current industry needs.

ABET-accredited programs encourage institutions to engage in continuous curriculum revision, faculty development, and stronger industry-academia collaboration. These efforts are particularly vital in rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and renewable energy, where outdated syllabi and insufficient training can leave graduates ill-prepared.

ABET in India: A Growing Footprint

The ABET accreditation journey in India began with BITS Pilani, which received accreditation for select engineering programs in the early 2010s. Since then, a growing number of prominent institutions—including SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham—have followed suit. As of 2024, over 25 Indian engineering programs have been accredited by ABET, signaling increased recognition of global standards in Indian academia.

ABET accreditation significantly enhances international recognition and mobility. Graduates from ABET-accredited programs are better positioned to pursue higher education and employment in countries like the U.S., Canada, and other Washington Accord signatories. Notably, India became a permanent signatory of the Washington Accord in 2014 through the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), aligning national standards with ABET’s globally accepted framework.

National Policies and Institutional Reforms

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for a multidisciplinary and holistic educational model, emphasizing critical thinking, innovation, and international benchmarking. The NEP encourages institutions to seek global accreditations such as ABET to enhance quality and global competitiveness.

Indian universities that pursue ABET accreditation often undergo comprehensive institutional transformations. These include adopting outcome-based education (OBE), improving pedagogical strategies, integrating industry partnerships, and investing in faculty upskilling programs. While this process is challenging, it fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite its advantages, implementing ABET standards in India presents challenges—particularly for public and tier-II institutions. The accreditation process requires substantial financial investment, rigorous documentation, and cultural change, which many such institutions struggle to support. Additionally, there is often a lack of awareness and institutional capacity regarding the benefits and procedures of ABET accreditation.

To address these gaps, collaborative efforts are essential. AICTE, NBA, and other regulatory bodies must initiate capacity-building programs and incentivize institutions to pursue global accreditations. Cross-border partnerships, mentorship programs with ABET-accredited U.S. institutions, and knowledge-sharing platforms (e.g., webinars by the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum) can further support Indian institutions in this endeavor.

Moreover, several Indian universities are already embracing OBE frameworks as precursors to full ABET accreditation. These developments, though preliminary, reflect a growing momentum toward quality-driven education.

Conclusion

ABET accreditation presents a valuable opportunity for Indian higher education to benchmark itself against international standards, thereby improving graduate employability and institutional quality. While only a small number of Indian institutions are currently ABET-accredited, awareness and interest are steadily increasing.

Through strategic planning, regulatory support, and international collaboration, India can scale up its adoption of ABET standards. Doing so will not only elevate its academic reputation but also solidify its standing as a global leader in engineering education. In today’s interconnected world, embracing global standards is no longer optional—it is essential for sustained innovation, competitiveness, and the preparation of future-ready engineers.