No policy for 10-day MBA, confirms AICTE amid Vivek Bindra row

NEW DELHI: The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) in reply to a query has said that it has “no policy to give (an) MBA Programme of 10 days”. The reply comes in the wake of the “expose” of Vivek Bindra, a motivational speaker, who runs advertisements regarding a 10-day MBA programme.

Careers360 founder Maheshwar Peri had highlighted the “fraud” in a string of tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He caught my attention when he launched a 10-day MBA programme on the ‘Over 25 crore students in India are looking for job’ segment. How did he get that ‘25 crore’? Only he knows. Taking on fake MBA institutions has been a familiar territory. So I started digging,” Peri said on X.

What are UGC, AICTE rules?

As per the UGC norms, only universities can grant MBA degree programmes, which are usually of 2 years in the country, Peri told Lalantop during an interview. The AICTE said, “No Institution can run an MBA programme without the approval of AICTE except universities. However, a university has to follow AICTE guidelines for running an MBA programme.”

Since, claims regarding a 10-day MBA advertisement are false, students who have been duped can approach the consumer court and also file a cheating case in the nearest police station, Peri informed Lalantop. “But students have to approach the legal way collectively and ensure that the case reaches its conclusion. They shouldn’t fall for individual settlement and see that every student gets their money back,” the Careers360 founder said.

Peri also told Lalantop that according to sources, Vivek Bindra still has Rs. 88 crore in his bank account as on March 31, 2023. “When I went through Bada Business Private Limited’s balance sheets it showed that the revenue was Rs. 172 crore in the first year and Rs. 308 crore in the second year. However, the non-refundable franchise fees is Rs. 227 crore or 74% of his total revenue.” Peri said.

This raised concern and indicated towards a pyramid or multi-level marketing scheme at play. Also false advertising to attract students from rural and second tier cities, he added.

Accreditation bodies

Peri advised students to check official websites, such as AICTE, UGC, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and National Medical Commission and other accreditation authorities before joining a programme. “They shouldn’t look for a short-cut. And when looking to join a course, should ask relevant questions and collect the required information. Look for red flags,” he added.

Also read NMC warns against fake letter regarding CPS diploma courses

The AICTE, in the response to Careers360's question, said, “As per Clause 1.1 B of Approval Process Handbook of AICTE 2024-27, new technical institutions offering technical course(s)/ programme(s) shall ‘NOT’ be established without prior approval of the council.”

About Vivek Bindra

Vivek Bindra, a motivational speaker, runs a company called Bada Business Private Limited, which advertises about a 10-day MBA programme. Other ads also state that students can earn Rs 20 lakh per month. “There are over 25 crore students looking for jobs in the country,” one of his company’s ads states.