The modular system of technical education: a case study of Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology in India

In general, technical education in India is comprised of three independent programmes that terminate at certificate, diploma, and graduation levels. The Institution of Engineers, India has a non-formal programme that allows diploma holders to attain a qualification considered equivalent to graduation in engineering. A limited vertical mobility from diploma to degree level has recently been introduced through lateral entry at third semester level to the four-year BE programme. The Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET) in Longowal, India, is a unique institute that offers a flexible, multi-entry and multi-exit modular technical education programme, which is comprised of two-year certificate, two-year diploma and three-year degree modules. Though only ten years old, the SLIET has carved a niche in the technical education of the country and many institutions are looking to imitate this model. This paper presents the philosophy and structure of the modular system, including the identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the system. The comparative performance of students, entering at different levels, has also been reported.