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UGC Notifies New Rule to Let Colleges Apply for Autonomy, Limits University’s Role

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released new regulations, the UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023, which allow affiliated and constituent colleges to seek academic and administrative autonomy directly from the commission without having to go through their universities.
By Jitendra Jangid Apr 15, 2023, 14:19 IST
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023. Under the new rule, all affiliated and constituent colleges will be able to directly approach the commission to avail academic and administrative autonomy anytime throughout the year, without even going to the university. Additionally, all the autonomous colleges will be able to structure their own curriculum, admission policies, streamline programmes and launch new courses as well. “The Regulations, 2023 provide for a simplified and transparent mechanism for conferment of Autonomous Status to Colleges,” reads the official notice. The commission notified the new rules under UGC Regulations, 2023 on April 3. According to the notice, the parent university’s role will be restricted to examining the online applications for autonomous status on the Commission’s portal within a period of 30 days. If the university does not comment or share their opinion during this period, then it will be presumed that the university has no objection. Also read| UGC NET Result 2023: December 2022 Cycle Result Out, What’s Next? Eligibility Status: -All affiliated or constituent colleges of any discipline (that falls under government, aided, unaided or partially aided or self-financed) are eligible for autonomous status, provided they are under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act. -Colleges must also have at least 10 years of existence in the field. RELATED NEWS How Exams For Classes 11 And 12 Be Conducted Under NCF 2023 Draft PM Modi Dedicates Northeast Its First AIIMS, 3 New Medical Colleges in Assam -Colleges should be accredited either by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC); or by NBA for at least three courses(s); or from a UGC-empanelled authorisation agency. But if the number of programme(s) are less than three, then each of the eligible courses must be accredited as per National Board of Accreditation (NBA) norms. -Meanwhile, the constituent colleges must also undergo independent accreditation. - Initially, the autonomous status will be granted for a period of five or ten years as per Clause 7 of the UGC regulations. - Further extension of the autonomy will be for a time period of five or ten years. Apart from designing their own syllabi and admission rule, the autonomous status will allow colleges to start certificate or diploma programmes without the prior approval of the parent university. It will also be able to offer degree programmes at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels along with PhD courses with the agreement of the academic council.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released new regulations, the UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023, which allow affiliated and constituent colleges to seek academic and administrative autonomy directly from the commission without having to go through their universities. The new regulations will allow autonomous colleges to create their own curriculum, admission policies, streamline programs, and even introduce new courses. The UGC has stated that the regulations provide a simple and transparent mechanism for colleges seeking autonomous status.

According to the notice, any affiliated or constituent college of any discipline, whether government, aided, unaided, partially aided, or self-financed, can apply for autonomous status provided it has been in existence for at least 10 years and falls under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act. Additionally, colleges must have been accredited either by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), NBA for at least three courses, or by a UGC-empanelled authorization agency. If the number of eligible courses is less than three, then each eligible course must be accredited as per National Board of Accreditation (NBA) norms. Furthermore, constituent colleges must also undergo independent accreditation.

The regulations state that autonomous status will initially be granted for a period of five or ten years and can be extended for another five or ten years. Colleges with autonomous status will be able to design their own syllabi and admission rules and offer certificate or diploma programs without the prior approval of the parent university. They will also be able to offer degree programs at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels, as well as PhD courses with the agreement of the academic council. The parent university’s role will be limited to examining the online applications for autonomous status on the Commission's portal within a 30-day period. If the university does not provide any comments or objections within that time, it will be presumed that they have no objection.

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