UGC allows CMJ University students to earn UG, PG degrees through state-supervised exams: Report

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given approval to CMJ University students to appear for examinations conducted under the supervision of an external agency and earn legitimate degrees, following the Supreme Court mandate, The Shillong Times reported.

The Meghalaya Education Department will now conduct the state-supervised exams for CMJ University students, according to the report.

The joint secretary of the state education department, UGC secretary Shyama Rath has confirmed that the university students, currently pursuing diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes will be allowed to appear for exams conducted by the external agency, the report read.

The approval follows SC’ December 2025 decision regarding the regulatory status and functioning of the CMJ University, it said.

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UGC's 598th meeting on CMJ University issues

“The UGC’s decision was formalised during its 598th meeting, following recommendations from an Expert Committee tasked with examining the university’s statutory mandate,” it added.

Now, final-year students who will clear the supervised examinations, will be awarded their degrees or diplomas, the report stated.

Furthermore, the commission has also authorised students to take transfer to other institutions within Meghalaya, subject to state government rules and the admission criteria of the respective colleges, as per the report.

Confirming the UGC approval, Rakkam A Sangma, state education minister, said that the government was now moving to identify the external agency required for the process, the report read.

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Khasi students' group welcomes UGC approval

“Our primary focus is to ensure that the academic future of these students is no longer compromised. We will oversee the examination process to maintain strict standards of transparency,” Sangma said in the report.

However, the approval offers a solution for currently admitted students; it does not address the status of students, who graduated during the years when the university operations were in dispute, the report said.

In addition, the Khasi Students Union (KSU) has praised the UGC approval but warned that the government must not ignore past students of the university , the report added.

“This is a long-overdue breakthrough for those currently in the system. However, the government and the UGC must provide a clear roadmap for the thousands of former students whose degrees remain unrecognised in the job market. They cannot be left in the cold,” the students’ body said in the report.

The UGC further stated that it will take additional steps for students requiring the continuation of their studies after completing the proposed exams.