University Grants Commission (Conferment Of Autonomous Status Upon Colleges And Measures For Maintenance Of Standards In Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023

[03rd April 2023]

Whereas the University Grants Commission (UGC) is mandated to coordinate and determine the standards of higher education in universities;

Whereas college autonomy is instrumental in promoting broad-based quality education and excellence;

Whereas the Commission, in exercise of its powers conferred by Section 26 of the UGC Act, 1956, has notified the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2018;

And whereas there is a need to promote the autonomy of colleges so as to enhance the quality of higher education in the country.

Now, therefore, in supersession of the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2018 and in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (j) of Section 12 read with clauses (f) and (g) of sub-section (1) of Section 26 of the University Grants Commission Act,1956, the University Grants Commission hereby makes the following Regulations: -

Regulation - 1. Short title, application, and commencement

(1)     These Regulations shall be called the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023.

(2)     These Regulations shall apply to all Colleges/Institutions affiliated to or are constituent colleges of Universities in the country seeking the conferment of Autonomous College status.

(3)     These Regulations shall come into force from the date of their notification in the Official Gazette.

Regulation - 2. Definitions

In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-

(1)     "Academic Council" means the Academic Council of the Autonomous College

(2)     "Act" means the University Grants Commission Act,1956

(3)     "Board of Studies" means the Board of Studies of a Department of the Autonomous College

(4)     "College" means any institution (affiliated College or constituent College), whether known as such or by any other name, which provides for undergraduate and/or postgraduate and/or Ph.D. programmes for obtaining any qualification from a university and which, in accordance with the rules and regulations of such University, is recognized as competent to provide for such programmes/courses of study and present students undergoing such courses of study for the examination for the award of such qualification

(5)     "Commission" means the University Grants Commission (UGC)

(6)     "Finance Committee" means the Finance Committee of the Autonomous College

(7)     "Governing Body" means the Governing Body of the Autonomous College, which is different from the Trust Board or the Board of Management or the Executive Committee or the Management Committee

(8)     "Parent Body" means the Society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, or a body corporate, established or incorporated under a Central or State Act for the time being in force, or a Trust or a Company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013; the Government or local authority or any University (for college/institution run by them)

(9)     "Notification" means a notification issued by the parent University declaring a college as an autonomous one after the conferment of autonomous status by the UGC

(10)   "Parent University" means the University to which the College concerned is affiliated or of which the College concerned is a constituent

(11)   "Statutory body" means a statutory body of the Autonomous College

(12)   "Statutory Council" means a body constituted under any law for the time being in force for determining or maintaining standards of quality in the relevant areas of higher education, such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Medical Commission (NMC), Dental Council of India (DCI), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Bar Council of India (BCI), Indian Nursing Council (INC), or any other such body established under an Act of Parliament

(13)   Standing Committee means a Committee comprising of 3 or more Members

(14)   IQAC means Internal Quality Assurance Cell established by an Autonomous College in accordance with the UGC Regulations made by the Commission and the guidelines on IQAC issued by the Commission, as may be amended from time to time

Regulation - 3. Role, terms and conditions of an autonomous college

The role, terms and conditions of an Autonomous College in general and subject to the provisions of Regulations will be as under:

(1)     Review existing courses/programmes and, restructure, redesign and prescribe its own courses/programmes of study and syllabi.

(2)     To formulate new courses/programmes within the nomenclature specified by UGC as per the Specification of Degrees 2014 as amended from time to time.

(3)     Evolve methods of assessment of students? performance, conduct of examinations, and notification of results.

(4)     To announce results, issue mark sheets, and other certificates; however, the degree shall be awarded by the parent University with the name of the College on the degree certificate.

(5)     Autonomous colleges need not pay affiliation fees to the parent University.

(6)     Prescribe rules for admission in consonance with the reservation policy of the state government/national policy.

(7)     Autonomous Colleges may fix fees as per the norms of the State Government/ Statutory Council(s) at their own level, as applicable.

(8)     Constitute own Governing Body, Academic Council, Finance Committee, and Board of Studies.

(9)     The teaching staff and Principal in all the Autonomous Colleges shall be appointed as per the University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and other Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2018 as amended from time to time or any regulations notified by UGC in this regard from time to time.

(10)   Autonomy granted to the College is at the institutional level and is not partial and shall cover the programmes at all levels of U.G. and P.G. offered by the College. The courses introduced by the College after the conferment of autonomous status shall automatically come under the purview of autonomy.

(11)   Ph.D. programmes shall be offered strictly as per the UGC Regulations notified in this regard from time to time.

(12)   Autonomous status shall be granted initially for a period of five or ten years as per Clause 7 of these regulations.

(13)   Further extension of autonomy shall be for a period of five or ten years as per Clause 8 of these regulations.

Regulation - 4. Role of the parent university

The role of the parent University in general and subject to the provisions of Regulations will be as under:

(1)     To examine the application of the College for autonomous status on the UGC portal and give its recommendations, along with reasons/ justification, within 30 working days on the UGC portal. If the parent University does not respond on the UGC portal within 30 working days, it shall be presumed that the parent University has no objection to the processing of the application by the UGC for conferment of autonomous status.

(2)     Issue notification within 30 days for a college to function as an autonomous entity once the autonomous status is conferred on the College by UGC.

(3)     The College, on attaining autonomous status will continue to be affiliated with the parent University but will enjoy the privileges of autonomy.

(4)     To provide nominees on various Statutory Bodies of the Autonomous College.

(5)     To facilitate the implementation of these regulations.

Regulation - 5. Role of the state government

(1)     To provide nominees on various Statutory Bodies of the Autonomous College.

(2)     The autonomous colleges shall continue to be eligible to receive funds from the State Government as being done before the grant of autonomous status, if any.

(3)     To make efforts to fill all sanctioned faculty positions on a regular and ongoing basis.

Regulation - 6. Eligibility

(1)     Affiliated or Constituent Colleges of any discipline, whether Government, aided, partially aided, or unaided/self-financing, are eligible, provided they are under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act.

(2)     The College should have at least 10 years of existence.

(3)     The College must be accredited either by NAAC; or by NBA for at least three programme(s); or from a UGC-empanelled accreditation agency. However, if the number of programme(s) being run by the College is less than three, then each of the eligible programme must be accredited as per NBA norms. Accreditation status must be valid for at least one year at the time of application.

The constituent colleges shall also undergo independent accreditation.

(4)     The Commission may exempt a college from Clauses 6.2 and 6.3 of these Regulations, if it offers programmes in any of the following focus areas:

- unique discipline(s), e.g., special education, Indian knowledge system, yoga, defence studies

- addressing the strategic needs of the country

- engaged in the preservation of Indian cultural heritage

- preservation of the environment

- dedicated to Skill Development, Sports, languages

- any other discipline(s)/ field(s) so determined by the Commission.

Regulation - 7. Conferment of autonomous status

(1)     A College fulfilling the eligibility as per clause 6 of these regulations, intending to become autonomous, shall submit the application on the UGC portal anytime during the year.

However, in the case of proposals for the grant of autonomy/extension of autonomy, which have already been received and are under consideration by UGC before the notification of these regulations, no fresh application will be required, and UGC will consider all such pending proposals as per these Regulations, subject to the condition that the accreditation status is valid for six months at the time of notification of these Regulations or has applied for reaccreditation in case the validity of accreditation is less than six months.

(2)     The parent University will examine the application of the College for autonomous status on the UGC portal and give its recommendations along with reasons/justification within 30 working days from the date of submission of the application on the UGC portal. If the parent University does not respond on the UGC portal within 30 working days, it shall be presumed that the parent University has no objection to the processing of the application by the UGC for conferment of autonomous status.

(3)     A Standing Committee of UGC shall examine the application of the College for conferment of autonomous status. The recommendations of the Standing Committee shall be considered by the Commission and its decision may be communicated to the parent University and the College.

(4)     Autonomous status shall be granted initially for a period of five years from the commencement of an academic session in case the College is accredited either by NAAC; or by NBA for at least three programme(s); or from a UGC-empanelled accreditation agency. However, if the number of programme(s) being run by the College is less than three, then each of the eligible programme must be accredited as per NBA norms. Accreditation status must be valid for at least one year at the time of application submission;

(5)     Autonomous status shall be granted initially for a period of ten years from the commencement of an academic session in case the College is accredited either by NAAC with a minimum "A? Grade (with a score of 3.01 and above on a 4-point scale of NAAC) or by NBA for at least three programme(s) with a minimum score of 675 individually, or a corresponding accreditation Grade/score from a UGC empanelled accreditation agency. However, if the number of programme(s) being run by the College is less than three, then each of the eligible programme as per NBA norms, should secure 675 or more marks. Accreditation status must be valid for at least one year at the time of application submission;

(6)     If the application of a College for the conferment of autonomous status is rejected by the UGC for any reason whatsoever, the College shall be eligible to reapply on UGC portal, but not before one year from the date of rejection of its earlier application.

(7)     An autonomous College can merge with another autonomous college(s)/institution(s) run by the same Parent Body of the Autonomous Colleges, with the prior approval of the Parent University/Universities.

Regulation - 8. Extension of autonomous status

(1)     If an autonomous college has accreditation either by NAAC; or by NBA for at least three programme(s); or from a UGC-empanelled accreditation agency; (if the number of programme(s) being run by the College is less than three, then each of the eligible programme should be accredited as per NBA norms) on the last day of completion of Autonomy period, the College shall be eligible for grant of an extension of autonomous status for further five years, provided that the College has followed the procedure stipulated in clause 8.3 below. The College shall apply for extension of autonomous status on the UGC portal at least three months before the completion of the autonomy period. The Autonomous College shall also inform the Parent University about its application for the extension of autonomous status. Standing Committee of UGC shall examine the application of the Autonomous College for extension of autonomous status. The recommendations of the Standing Committee shall be considered by the Commission and its decision may be communicated to the parent University and the Autonomous College.

(2)     If an autonomous college has NAAC with a minimum "A? Grade with a score of 3.01 and above on a 4-point scale of NAAC or by NBA for at least three programme(s) with a minimum score of 675 individually or a corresponding accreditation Grade/score from a UGC empanelled accreditation agency (if the number of programme(s) being run by the College is less than three, then each of the eligible programme as per NBA norms should secure 675 or more marks) on the last day of completion of Autonomy period, the College shall be eligible for grant of an extension of autonomous status for further ten years, provided that the College has followed the procedure stipulated in clause 8.3 below. The College shall apply for extension of autonomous status on the UGC portal at least three months before the completion of the autonomy period. The Autonomous College shall also inform the parent University about its application for the extension of autonomous status. Standing Committee of UGC shall examine the application of the Autonomous College for extension of autonomous status. The recommendations of the Standing Committee shall be considered by the Commission and its decision may be communicated to the parent University and the Autonomous College.

(3)     Autonomous colleges are required to apply for reaccreditation six months before the end of the cycle of accreditation period as mentioned in the Accreditation Certificate issued by National Assessment and Accreditation Council/NBA/UGC empanelled accreditation agency. For Autonomous Colleges which have applied for reaccreditation six months before the end of the cycle of accreditation period, in case there is a delay in the accreditation process by the accrediting body, the delay period between two consecutive accreditations shall be condoned. Autonomous colleges that have not applied for reaccreditation six months before the end of the accreditation period should get the accreditation within one year from the end of the last accreditation cycle, failing which the autonomy automatically stands withdrawn.

(4)     In case Autonomous College fails to obtain the required accreditation Grade/score as per clauses 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 above, the autonomy to such College stands automatically withdrawn, and no fresh admissions will be done under autonomy mode after withdrawal of autonomous status. No communication from the parent University and/or UGC will be needed in this regard. It will be the responsibility of the College to inform the parent University and UGC regarding the withdrawal of autonomy. However, for students admitted during autonomy period, such withdrawal shall take effect only after the last batch of students enrolled under autonomy passes out.

(5)     Such Colleges whose autonomy is withdrawn shall be eligible to apply for fresh autonomy on UGC portal, but not before one year from the effective date of withdrawal of autonomy.

Regulation - 9. Monitoring of autonomous colleges

(1)     IQAC shall be established in the Autonomous College for regular monitoring of the College. The IQAC shall have an external Peer Team comprising of 2 or more members who shall be academicians of repute not below the rank of Professor. The report regarding the performance of the Autonomous College shall also be put on the public domain on the website of the College. The external peer review shall be conducted at least once in a year.

(2)     On its own or in case of an adverse report by the external peer team of IQAC or on receipt of any information/complaint, UGC may cause an inspection by constituting an Expert Committee for scrutiny and may revoke the autonomous status of the College after giving due opportunity of hearing to the management by way of notification and by passing a speaking order.

(3)     The Autonomous College shall, without fail, upload on its website, information regarding the courses offered by it, the fees for the courses, the details of the faculty along with qualification and unique ID, the admission procedure, the details of relevant infrastructures, research activities of the Autonomous College along with the details of Ph.D. students enrolled, if any, with the date of enrolment, topics and supervisor.

(4)     The Autonomous College shall also put on its website the constitution of various Committees/Cells as mandated in the various UGC Regulations notified from time to time. The Autonomous College shall conduct the meetings of the statutory bodies regularly and upload the minutes of the meetings on the college website.

(5)     The Autonomous College shall also upload such information on such web portals as may be specified by the Commission, from time to time.

Regulation - 10. Matters regarding starting of new courses

(1)     An autonomous college is free to start certificate or diploma courses without prior approval of the parent University. The Autonomous College should inform the parent University about the introduction of such new courses. Approval of the concerned statutory bodies of the Autonomous College and Statutory Council(s)should be obtained, wherever required. Certificates and Diplomas shall be issued under the seal of the Autonomous College.

(2)     An autonomous college is free to start a new degree programme(s) at undergraduate and postgraduate levels with the approval of the Academic Council of the Autonomous College and concerned Statutory Council(s), wherever required, provided the nomenclature of the degree is in consonance with UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees, 2014 as amended from time to time. Such courses shall fulfill the minimum standards prescribed by the parent university/UGC/Statutory Council(s) in terms of number of hours, curricular content and standards, and the parent University shall be duly informed of such courses.

(3)     An autonomous college can start Ph.D. programme with the prior approval of the parent University. UGC Regulations for Ph.D. programmes as notified from time to time, must be adhered to by the parent University/Autonomous College.

(4)     An autonomous college may rename an existing course as per the UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees, 2014, as amended from time to time after restructuring/redesigning it with the approval of the Academic Council of the Autonomous College. The parent University should be duly informed of such proceedings. However, this renaming of course(s) will not be applicable to previous batches.

Regulation - 11. Examination cell

(1)     Autonomous College shall have an Examination Cell and should maintain all the records of the student evaluations and examinations.

Regulation - 12. Governance of an autonomous college

(1)     The autonomous College shall have the following statutory bodies to ensure proper management of academic, financial, and general administrative affairs:

(a)      Governing Body

(b)      Academic Council

(c)      Board of Studies

(d)      Finance Committee

(The Governing Body is different from Trust Board/ Board of Management/ Executive Committee/ Management Committee).

(2)     The Autonomous College shall in addition, have other non-statutory committees such as the Planning and Evaluation Committee, Grievance Redressal Committee, Examination Committee, Admission Committee, Library Committee, Student Welfare Committee, Internal Complaints Committee, Extracurricular Activities Committee and Academic Audit Committee, etc.

(3)     GOVERNING BODY:-

(A)     Constitution of Governing Body of Colleges run by Trust/Society

(B)     Constitution of Governing Body of Government Colleges

(C)     Constitution of Governing Body of Constituent Colleges run by University

Term: The Governing Body shall be reconstituted every five years.

Meetings: Meetings of the Governing Body shall be held at least once every six months.

Quorum: Presence of a minimum 50% of Members will be the quorum.

Functions of the Governing Body:

Subject to the existing provision in the bye-laws of the respective Autonomous College and rules laid down by the State Government/Parent University, the Governing Body shall:

Guide the Autonomous College while fulfilling the objectives for which the College has been granted autonomous status.

Institute scholarships, fellowships, studentships, medals, prizes, and certificates on the recommendations of the Academic Council

Approve new programmes of study leading to degrees and/or diplomas.

All recruitments of Teaching Faculty/Principal shall be made by the Governing Body/state government as applicable in accordance with the policies laid down by the UGC and State Government from time to time.

To approve the annual budget of the Autonomous College.

Perform such other functions and institute committees as may be necessary and deemed fit for the proper development of the Autonomous College.

(4)     ACADEMIC COUNCIL :-

COMPOSITION OF ACADEMIC COUNCIL:

(1)     The Principal (Chairman)

(2)     All the Heads of Departments in the Autonomous College

(3)     Four teachers of the Autonomous College representing different categories of teaching staff by rotation on the basis of seniority of service in the College.

(4)     Not less than four experts/academicians from outside the Autonomous College representing such areas as Industry, Commerce, Law, Education, Medicine, Engineering, Sciences, etc., are to be nominated by the Governing Body.

(5)     Three nominees of the University, not less than Professors.

(6)     The Controller of Examination of the Autonomous College

(7)     A faculty member nominated by the Principal (Member Secretary).

Term: The term of the nominated members shall be three years.

Meetings: Meetings of the Academic Councilshall be held at least once every six months.

Functions of the Academic Council:

(a)      To scrutinize and approve the proposals with or without modification of the Board of Studies with regard to courses of study, academic regulations, curricula, syllabi and modifications thereof, instructional and evaluation arrangements, methods, procedures relevant thereto, etc., provided that where the Academic Council differs on any proposal, it shall have the right to return the matter for reconsideration to the Board of Studies concerned or reject it, after giving reasons to do so.

(b)      To make regulations regarding the admission of students to different programmes of study in the Autonomous College, keeping in view the policy of the Government.

(c)      To make regulations for sports, extra-curricular activities, and proper maintenance and functioning of the playgrounds and hostels.

(d)      To recommend to the Governing Body proposals for the institution of new programmes of study.

(e)      To recommend to the Governing Body institution of scholarships, studentships, fellowships, prizes, and medals, and to frame regulations for the award of the same.

(f)       To advise the Governing Body on suggestions(s) pertaining to academic affairs.

(g)      To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Governing Body.

(5)     BOARD OF STUDIES :-

Composition of Board of Studies:

(1)     Head of the Department concerned (Chairperson).

(2)     All faculty members of the Department.

(3)     Two subject experts from outside the parent University are to be nominated by the Academic Council.

(4)     One expert is to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from a panel of six recommended by the Autonomous College Principal.

(5)     One representative from industry/corporate sector/allied areas to be nominated by the Principal.

(6)     One member of the College alumni to be nominated by the Principal.

(7)     Experts from outside the Autonomous College, whenever special courses of studies are to be formulated, to be nominated by the Principal.

Term: The term of the nominated members shall be three years.

Meetings: Meetings of the Board of Studies shall be held at least once every six months.

Functions:

The Board of Studies shall recommend the following to the Academic Council:

(a)      Courses of studies;

(b)      Measures for the improvement of the standards of teaching and research;

(c)      Any other academic matter.

(6)     FINANCE COMMITTEE :-

Composition of Finance Committee:

(a)      The Principal (Chairman).

(b)      One person to be nominated by the Governing Body of the Autonomous College for a period of two years.

(c)      One senior-most faculty member of the Autonomous College to be nominated in rotation by the Principal for two years.

(d)      Finance Officer/Officer in-charge of Finance and Accounts of the Autonomous College (Member Secretary)

Term: The term of the Finance Committee shall be three years.

Meetings: Meetings of the Finance Committee shall be held at least once every six months.

Functions of the Finance Committee:

The Finance Committee shall act as an advisory body to the Governing Body to consider:

(a)      Budget estimates relating to the grant received/receivable from funding agencies, income from fees, etc. and

(b)      Audited accounts for the above.

Regulation - 13. Consequences of violation of regulations

(1)     The Autonomous Colleges shall at all times adhere to UGC Regulations and Guidelines made and issued by the Commission from time to time, failing which UGC may take appropriate action against the defaulting Autonomous College including revoking of autonomous status.

Regulation - 14. Interpretation

(1)     In the event of any conflict or inconsistency with respect to these regulations, the interpretation given by the Commission shall be final and binding.

Regulation - 15. Removal of difficulties

(1)     The Commission reserves the right to remove difficulty/difficulties in the course of implementation of these Regulations.