In a move to foster the growth of higher education institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released a comprehensive framework that allows state private universities to establish off-campus centres. 

This landmark decision is set to reshape the educational landscape by providing these universities with the opportunity to extend their reach beyond their primary campuses.

Commenting on this new initiative, UGC chairman, M. Jagadesh Kumar said,

“This development marks a notable step, introducing a structured framework for evaluating and considering applications for off-campus centres by state private universities. The move aligns with the evolving educational landscape outlined in the NEP 2020, aiming to enhance regulatory facilitation and support the expansion of higher education.”

What is the criteria for establishing off-campus centres?

Under the newly issued guidelines, private universities are now empowered to initiate off-campus centres, subject to certain criteria and procedural requisites stipulated by the UGC which include:

• State University Act Provision: There must be an explicit provision allowing for off-campus centres in the specific State University Act under which the university was established.
• Operational History: The university should have completed at least five years of academic operations and programs at its main campus before applying to start an off-campus centre.
• Accreditation: The university must be accredited by the appropriate accrediting agency, demonstrating adherence to quality standards.
• Academic/Infrastructure Parity: The proposed off-campus centre must comply with all applicable norms and requirements for programs, faculty, infrastructure, etc. prescribed by statutory bodies - matching the standards of the main campus.

• Land Ownership: For the off-campus facility, the university must either own the land free of encumbrances, or hold a lease for at least 30 years. A one-time processing fee of INR 10 lakh will also be charged by the UGC.
• Program Expansion: Any new programs, departments, or intake increases at an off-campus centre can only commence after approval from the university's council bodies and relevant regulatory authorities.
• Affiliated College Takeover: Universities can apply to convert an existing affiliated college run by the same trust into an off-campus centre, gradually phasing out the affiliated college status with necessary permission.

How will the submission and approval of applications be facilitated?

The UGC has established a rigorous approval process to ensure academic integrity is upheld at off-campus centres. State private universities must first secure a Letter of Intent or approval from relevant statutory bodies before launching any new programs at these locations. 

To promote transparency, the UGC has also mandated that all such approvals be publicly displayed on the university's website. 

Furthermore, proposals to establish off-campus centres will undergo evaluation by a standing UGC committee. Once operational, these centres will face quarterly inspections to verify compliance with prescribed norms. 

Ultimately, the UGC will hold the authority to shut down any off-campus centre found violating regulations, with provisions to shift affected students to the main campus.

Our View

UGC’s comprehensive guidelines, aligned with the NEP 2020, ensures adherence to quality standards and regulatory facilitation while extending the reach of education beyond primary campuses. 

With transparent approval processes and stringent monitoring mechanisms in place, this initiative holds promise for reshaping the educational landscape and catering to the evolving needs of students across the nation.

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