UGC invites institutions with unique disciplines to apply for ‘Deemed to be University’ status

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that colleges specialising in unique disciplines such as Indian cultural heritage, skill development, sports, and Indian languages can apply for Deemed to be University status under the ‘Distinct category’. The UGC has also announced specific eligibility criteria and required documents for institutions seeking ‘Deemed to be University’ recognition.

A Deemed to be University is a college recognized for excellence in a specific area of higher education. As per Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, such universities are granted university-like status by the central government on UGC’s recommendation. As per UGC, a Deemed to be University gets academic autonomy, allowing them to design their own syllabus and offer specialised courses.

'Deemed to be University’ Status: Eligibility criteria

Colleges seeking ‘Deemed to be University’ status are required to be registered as a not-for-profit entity under a society, trust, or company. However, organisations already established only for educational purposes are exempt from forming a separate entity.

Additionally, colleges are required to submit a notarized affidavit to ensure that their movable and immovable assets will not be leased or disposed of without UGC’s prior approval.

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Eligibility For 'Deemed to be University’ Status: Required documents

As per the official website, institutions are required to submit online applications along with the following documents to be considered under a distinct category

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the affiliating university in case of an affiliated college.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining a fifteen-year strategic vision and a five-year rolling implementation plan.
• Sponsoring body details, including aims, objectives, and key academic and administrative personnel.
• Land ownership documents in the name of the proposed institution or sponsoring body.
• Approval from relevant statutory bodies for professional courses.
• Financial records, including the last three years’ income and expenditure statements.
• Undertaking of compliance, ensuring the institution abides by UGC regulations.
• Public disclosure of uploaded documents on the institution's official website.
• Commitment letter from government bodies (if funded by the state or central government) guaranteeing financial support post-recognition.

UGC debars JJTU from offering PhD

Recently, UGC barred Rajasthan’s Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University from offering PhD programmes for five years. As per UGC, the Jhunjhunu-based college was violating the UGC PhD regulations.

UGC has also barred three other Rajasthan universities, namely OPJS University, Sunrise University, and Singhania University from offering PhD course in the next five years.