The Supreme Court has given a key decision in the case of correspondence courses offered by various universities in India. The Apex court stated that technical education cannot be provided through a correspondence course. The court directed the educational institutions from providing technical courses such as engineering in distance education mode. The SC observed that the technical educations need sound academic knowledge and up-to-date practical knowledge. These requirements can be fulfilled only through regular courses of colleges and universities. The Apex court supported the decision of Punjab and Haryana court on the issue of the courses allowed through correspondence. Two years ago, the Punjab and Haryana high court declared that a regular degree in computer science cannot be treated equally to the one secured through distance education. The Supreme court reaffirmed the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High court.

However, Odisha High court has given a verdict earlier which Allowed Technical Education by correspondence in Odisha state. Supreme Court didn’t take it into consideration and didn’t even condemn the decision. Odisha high court allowed technical education through correspondence as many poor people may not afford to leave work and attend regular classes to get a formal education. Distance education gives them an opportunity to ‘learn while they earn’ for their families.