UGC Releases Draft Guidelines for College Recognition

• 30 Dec 2023

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently unveiled draft guidelines for the recognition of colleges, named the “UGC (Recognition of Colleges under Clause (f) of Section 2 of the UGC Act) Regulations, 2023.” Public comments are now being sought on these proposed guidelines.

Key Points

• Eligibility Criteria for UGC Recognition Affiliation and Compliance Requirements: The draft outlines conditions for UGC recognition, specifying that a college must be affiliated with a university as per UGC (Affiliation of Colleges by Universities) Regulations.
• Compliance with all UGC Act provisions, adherence to rules, and offering programs leading to degrees or diplomas are essential.
• Documentation for Recognition: Colleges seeking recognition must provide documents related to their establishment year, university-issued affiliation certificate, and approval from the statutory/regulatory body.
• An undertaking ensuring compliance with UGC Act provisions and the All India Higher Education Survey code is also mandatory.
• Timeline for Recognition: Existing colleges must obtain UGC recognition under Section 2(f) within three years from the regulation's notification. Colleges established or affiliated post-notification must secure recognition within three years of their establishment or affiliation.
• Document Verification Process: Universities are tasked with document verification, and the draft emphasizes that incorrect information may lead to the UGC removing a college from the list of recognized institutions.
• The UGC reserves the right to conduct physical or virtual verifications and warns of necessary actions if deficiencies are not rectified post-verification.
• Potential Withdrawal of Recognition: In cases where deficiencies are not rectified after verification, the UGC retains the authority to withdraw the recognition granted to a college under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956.
• The draft underscores the importance of compliance with UGC guidelines throughout the recognition process.