Accreditation to Benefit 122 Deemed-to-be Universities

As per the latest reports, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided that the deemed-to-be universities can go for accreditation given by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) even if their off-campuses aren't approved by the human resource development ministry (MHRD) or UGC.

This move is expected to benefit 122 Indian universities that are to be deemed, including institutes like Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai; Banasthali University, Rajasthan; Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education, Gwalior; Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad; Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Uttar Pradesh; and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.

UGC said that this can be done if the deemed universities' off-campuses are not assessed. A UGC source said that NAAC can be asked to de-link the accreditation of the main campus of such universities from their off-campuses and implement the accreditation of the main campuses.

Earlier, all the universities declared as deemed under Section 3 of the UGC Act fulfilled the eligibility for NAAC's assessment and accreditation process regardless of the year in which it was established. If any of the institutes had constituent units and campuses within the country or offshore, had to get them assessed. The campuses or units not approved by MHRD or UGC did not qualify for accreditation.

Prof DP Singh, NAAC Director, said that the unapproved campuses which were holding the accreditation for the deemed-to-be universities can now proceed and apply for accreditation for campuses which are approved. He added that this will help these institutes improve their quality. Even though the rule is currently applicable for universities to be deemed only, in future it may be extended to other varsities as well.