UGC Released Guidelines to Establish Off-Campus Centers of Private Universities

New Delhi: Instead of focusing on "commercial interests" and aligning with a "future academic vision," the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued guidelines on March 6, 2024 for state-private universities intending to establish off-campus centres within their respective states. 

As per the guidelines, private universities are permitted to establish off-campus centres, provided the relevant State University Act governing the establishment of the university includes provisions for such expansions. 

However, private universities established within the last five years are not eligible to set up off-campus centres. Maintaining infrastructure quality, faculty standards, and program offerings at levels equivalent to the main campus is a prerequisite.

Check: Top UGC Approved Arts Colleges in India - 2024 Rankings

This initiative falls under the UGC’s (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulation, 2003, and aims to standardise the application process and enhance transparency.

Although there are currently 471 private universities registered with the UGC, they have yet to receive approval for off-campus centres. Notably, privately owned deemed-to-be universities have obtained UGC approval for such expansions.

Check: List of UGC-Approved Education Colleges in India Based on 2024 Ranking

UGC Framework for Private Universities to Set Up Off-Campus Centres

The new guidelines allow private universities to acquire affiliated colleges operated by the same sponsoring trust or company. The university can gradually close the affiliated college, provided it obtains a no-objection certificate from the affiliating university—a departure from the UGC's 2018 directive prohibiting private universities from affiliating institutions or colleges.

To establish an off-campus centre, a state-private university must secure approval or a Letter of Intent from the relevant statutory or regulatory body for the specific program. 

Any expansion regarding programs, departments, or seat capacity requires approval from the statutory authority and the university's academic or executive council. These approvals must be publicly displayed on the university's website, as stipulated by the UGC notice.

Read: Delhi University and Other Central Universities Granted Autonomy by UGC; Check List Here

To initiate the process, state private universities must submit proposals to a standing committee, subject to quarterly inspections by the UGC. In cases of violations, the UGC reserves the right to close the centre and relocate students to the main campus. 

Additionally, the state private university must own or lease land for a minimum of 30 years to establish the center, with the UGC imposing a processing fee of INR 10 lakh for this purpose.

Latest UGC Updates:

• UGC releases IDP framework for HEIs' academic goals

• 200 Universities Implement 4-Year Programme, Says UGC Chairman

Subscribe to Collegedunia to get the latest educational news and updates –