Reputed Institutions can get Autonomous Status: UGC

As per latest reports, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared that any college with a good reputation can get an autonomous status, provided they apply for it.

In accordance with the new clause implemented in the XII Plan Guidelines for Autonomous Colleges, once a college applies for attainment of autonomous status, the university to which it is affiliated will have three months' time to take a decision over the application.

If the university rejects the application of the college, the same will be communicated to the college via a speaking order. However, if the university doesn't take a decision within three months, it will be presumed that the university has no objection over the proposal submitted by the college.

The below-mentioned parameters will be considered while granting the autonomous status to a college:

• The college, whether aided or unaided, must be recognised by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) or the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
• The college should have been established for a minimum of ten years before applying for the autonomous status.
• A college’s academic reputation, performance in the last university exams, as well as performance in co-curricular activities.
• The academic achievements of the college faculty.
• The achievements of the college's academic staff and students.

The colleges having a high National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rank will have a higher chance of getting the autonomous status. According to the NBA chairman and NIRF committee member, Surendra Prasad, using NIRF rank would be a good option through which complex decisions like awarding autonomy to a college can be determined.