The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations allowing state public universities' constituent and autonomous colleges to seek deemed university status or establish off-campus centers. The amendments took effect following notification by the UGC.
New Pathways for Colleges
Colleges previously affiliated with state universities can now apply for deemed to be university status. This change requires colleges to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their state government. Upon approval, the state government must then denotify the institution. This allows the college to operate under UGC regulations independently.
Off-Campus Center Establishment
The new rules also permit institutions to create off-campus centers. An institution can take over an affiliated college managed by the same sponsoring trust or society. The original college will then be phased out. This process converts the existing college into a specialized campus of the parent institution.
Academic Quality and Bureaucracy
To qualify for deemed status, colleges must meet specific academic standards. They need the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grades from the last three consecutive cycles. The UGC has also eased Memorandum of Association (MoA) renewal rules for certain institutions.
MoA Relaxation Details
Deemed universities receiving at least 50% of their funding from central or state governments are exempt from periodic MoA renewals. This also applies to institutions funded by philanthropic organizations. The condition is they must generate the remaining 50% of revenue independently, demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
These changes aim to modernize higher education governance. They provide greater autonomy and flexibility for colleges within the state university system.
