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UGC Allows State Colleges to Apply for Deemed University Status

The University Grants Commission has amended regulations to allow autonomous and constituent colleges of state universities to apply for deemed-to-be university status. These institutions can also become off-campus centres of another deemed university, subject to state government approval via a no-objection certificate. The amendments revise accreditation requirements, removing the need for NAAC accreditation with a 3.01 CGPA for three consecutive cycles. Deemed universities receiving at least 50% government funding must demonstrate self-generated revenue and meet other criteria within a specified period.

Key Points: UGC Lets State Colleges Seek Deemed University Status

  • UGC allows state colleges to apply for deemed university status
  • Colleges can also become off-campus centres of deemed universities
  • State government NOC required for application
  • NAAC accreditation criteria revised, removing CGPA requirement for three consecutive cycles
3 min read

UGC allows state colleges to apply for deemed university status or become off-campus of universities

UGC amends rules, allowing autonomous state colleges to apply for deemed university status or become off-campus centres, with state government approval.

"Universities ... or a constituent unit ... may also apply to become an institution deemed to be a University - UGC Gazette Notification"

By Vishu Adhana, New Delhi, April 24

The University Grants Commission has allowed autonomous and constituent colleges of state universities to apply for deemed-to-be university status, subject to permission from the respective state government.

The amendment, notified in the April 21 Gazette notification, also allows colleges to become off-campus centres of another deemed university or university.

The changes have been formalised through a Gazette notification titled University Grants Commission [Institutions Deemed to be Universities] Amendment Regulations, 2026.

According to the notification, "Universities established under clause (f) of section 2 of the Act or a constituent unit of a University may also apply to become an institution deemed to be a University or an off-campus of another institution deemed to be a University," provided they submit a no-objection certificate from the state government.

It further clarifies that the state government must agree to de-notify such institutions, stating that they "shall be permitted to admit students or work as an off-campus or a new institution deemed to be a university only after formal de-notification by the concerned State Government."

These changes have been introduced in the University Grants Commission's Institutions Deemed to be Universities Regulations, 2023.

An institution of higher education can be deemed to be a university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

Such institutions enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university, which helps strengthen their academic activities in specialised fields. There are a total of 146 deemed-to-be universities in India so far.

The amendments also revise accreditation-related provisions, removing the requirement of NAAC accreditation with a 3.01 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for three consecutive cycles. Instead, institutions are now required to have accreditation "for three cycles, including the latest cycle," or an equivalent National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grade.

In the 2023 regulations, one of the conditions for deemed university status was valid NAAC accreditation with at least a 3.01 CGPA for three consecutive cycles.

"In sub-regulation ... for the words 'for three consecutive cycles', the words 'or equivalent National Assessment and Accreditation Council grade, for three cycles, including the latest cycle' shall be substituted," the amended notification read.

The amendment also mentions that deemed universities receiving 50 per cent or more of their funds from the central or state governments may continue with their existing Memorandum of Association (MoA) for a specified period, subject to certain conditions.

As per the notification, such institutions must demonstrate "through its duly audited books of accounts that it is able to generate a minimum of fifty per cent of its revenue on its own, that is, total receipts."

Additionally, the clause specifies that "total expenses of the institute are more than twice the government grants given to them," along with fulfilment of other criteria within a defined period, as permitted by the central government.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a parent, I'm cautiously optimistic. The removal of rigid NAAC 3.01 CGPA requirement is practical—many good colleges struggle with accreditation cycles. But we must ensure quality doesn't drop. My worry is that some private colleges might just use this for commercial gain. 😕 Need strong oversight.
V
Vikram M
Finally! Our college has been trying to get deemed status for years. The old NAAC 3.01 requirement was unfair because our accreditation cycle got disrupted due to COVID. This new flexible criteria makes sense. Also, allowing off-campus centers can help reach more students in rural areas. 👏 Good move UGC.
S
Sarah B
Interesting development. As someone who works in academic administration in the US, I see parallels with our accreditation system. But India's challenge is implementation. The 50% self-revenue clause is good—it forces financial sustainability. However, I worry about the "de-notification" process. Will state governments play politics with this?
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Rohit P
I'm sceptical. Many so-called "deemed universities" in India are just degree shops with poor research output. The UGC should focus on improving existing universities rather than multiplying them. Also, the clause about government-funded colleges needing to generate 50% own revenue is unrealistic for public institutions. They'll just hike fees.
K
Kavya N
This could be revolutionary for specialized institutions like agriculture or nursing colleges. They often have expertise but no autonomy. Becoming deemed universities would let them design niche courses. But let's be honest—the real test will be implementation. Need clear guidelines to prevent misuse. Also, what about faculty qualifications? 🤔

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