Autonomous universities, colleges: India
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Contents |
Autonomy
2018: 60 universities, colleges get special status
From: Manash Gohain, JNU among 60 univs, colleges to get major autonomy boost, March 21, 2018: The Times of India
The government rolled out its plan to grant more autonomy to better performing central, state and private universities, with UGC giving 60 institutions special status that will allow them to start new courses, offer competitive salaries and set up off-campus centres without approvals.
Two central universities — Jawaharlal Nehru University and University of Hyderabad — are in the top category, along with state universities such as Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Algappa University, Karaikudi, and Nalsar University of Law, Telangana, under the “graded autonomy” scheme. The private universities in the list include O P Jindal Global University, Sonipat, and Pandit Deen Dayal Petroleum University, Gujarat.
HRD minister Prakash Javadekar said the selected universities remain in the ambit of the University Grants Commission but will have the freedom to start new courses, off-campus centres, skill development courses, research parks and other new academic programmes. They will also be able to hire foreign faculty, enrol foreign students, provide incentivebased emoluments to faculty, enter into academic collaborations and run distance learning programmes.
As per UGC regulations on “graded autonomy”, five central universities, 21 state universities and 26 private universities have been given this status. Eight colleges have also been given autonomous status under the autonomous colleges regulation.
Autonomous universities with an NAAC score of 3.26 and above may start a new course or department without UGC’s approval, provided no demand for funds from the government is made. UGC, “recognising (that) autonomy is pivotal to promoting and institutionalising excellence in higher education”, notified the regulatory framework in February 2018 to facilitate better performing institutions to improve standards.
“The government is taking steps towards granting autonomy to institutions performing well. It started with the passing of the IIM bill granting complete autonomy to B-schools,” said Javadekar.
3 deemed univs to get show-cause notice for poor quality: Javadekar
The colleges granted autonomy will also be free to set their own syllabus, hold examinations, carry out evaluation as well as declare results. In this case, only the degree will be awarded by the respective university.
The minister also said that a show-cause notice will be given to three deemed universities which are lacking in quality.
The HRD minister said that selected universities will not have to come to the regulator repeatedly to seek permission because they have maintained quality and achieved a benchmark of 3.26 and above in NAAC ranking.
The central universities include Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Hyderabad and English and Foreign Languages University, Telangana.
The state varsities include Jadhavpur University, Andhra University, Algappa University, National University of Law, Utkal University, Kurukshetra University, Osmania University, Guru Nanak Dev University, University of Jammu, University of Mysore, Anna University, Punjab University and University of Madras, among others.
Categorization of universities as per UGC regulations on graded autonomy
|
Type of Universities |
Category I |
Category II |
Total |
|
Central Universities |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
State Universities |
12 |
9 |
21 |
|
Deemed Universities |
11 |
13 |
24 |
|
Private Universities |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
Autonomous colleges |
8 | ||
|
Total |
25 |
27 |
60 |
Universities for grant of graded autonomy
Central universities
|
S.No. |
Name of the University |
NAAC Score |
Category under the Regulations |
|
1. |
Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi |
3.77 |
I |
|
2. |
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad |
3.72 |
I |
|
3. |
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi |
3.41 |
II |
|
4. |
Aligarh Muslim University , Aligarh |
3.35 |
II |
|
5 |
The English and Foreign Languages University, Telengana |
3.26 |
II |
State universities
|
S.No. |
Name of the University |
NAAC Score |
Category under the Regulations |
|
1. |
Jadavpur University, Jadavpur, Kolkata |
3.68 |
I |
|
2. |
Algappa University, Karaikudi |
3.64 |
I |
|
3. |
NALSAR University of Law, Telangana |
3.60 |
I |
|
4. |
SavitribaiPhule Pune University, Pune |
3.60 |
I |
|
5. |
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam |
3.60 |
I |
|
6. |
National Law University Delhi, Dwarka |
3.59 |
I |
|
7. |
Utkal University, Bhubaneswar |
3.53 |
I |
|
8. |
Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra |
3.52 |
I |
|
9. |
Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati |
3.52 |
I |
|
10 |
Osmania University, Hyderabad |
3.52 |
I |
|
11. |
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar |
3.51 |
I |
|
12. |
University of Jammu, Jammu |
3.51 |
I |
|
13. |
University of Mysore, Mysuru |
3.47 |
II |
|
14. |
Anna University, Chennai |
3.46 |
II |
|
15. |
Punjab University, Chandigarh |
3.35 |
II |
|
16. |
Kakatiya University, Warangal |
3.35 |
II |
|
17. |
Punjabi University, Patiala |
3.34 |
II |
|
18. |
Rajiv Gandhi University of Law, Patiala |
3.32 |
II |
|
19. |
National Law University Odisha, Cuttack |
3.32 |
II |
|
20. |
University of Madras, Chennai |
3.32 |
II |
|
21. |
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar |
3.28 |
II |
Institutions deemed to be universities (Category I)
|
S. No. |
Name of the Institution Deemed to be University |
NAAC Score |
Category |
|
1 |
Homi Bhabha National Institute Mumbai, Maharashtra. |
A+ (3.53)
|
I |
|
2 |
Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha
|
A +(3.71)
|
I |
|
3 |
Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM)
|
A +(3.53)
|
I |
|
4 |
Narsee Monjee Institute of Studies
|
A +(3.59)
|
I |
|
5 |
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute
|
A +(3.62)
|
I |
|
6 |
Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth
|
A +(3.62)
|
I |
|
7 |
Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. |
A +(3.54) 11.05.2015 to 10.05.2020
|
I |
|
8 |
Symbiosis International
|
A +(3.58)
|
I |
|
9 |
Institute of Chemical Technology,Mumbai, Maharashtra. |
A ++(3.77)
|
I |
|
10 |
Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences
|
A +(3.53) 30.10.2017 to 29.10.2024
|
I |
|
11 |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
|
A ++(3.89)
|
I |
Institutions deemed to be universities (Category II)
|
S. No. |
Name of the Institution Deemed to be University |
NAAC Score |
Category |
|
1 |
TERI School of Advanced Studies
|
A (3.26)
|
II |
|
2 |
Jain University Bangalore, Karnataka. |
A (3.31)
|
II |
|
3 |
Vellore Institute of Technology
|
A (3.42)
|
II |
|
4 |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
A (3.30)
|
II |
|
5 |
KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research
|
A (3.34)
|
II |
|
6 |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
|
A (3.40)
|
II |
|
7 |
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT)
|
A (3.48)
|
II |
|
8 |
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
|
A (3.34)
|
II |
|
9 |
ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education and Research,
|
A (3.43)
|
II |
|
10 |
Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute
|
A (3.31)
|
II |
|
11 |
Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Navi Mumbai,
|
A (3.40)
|
II |
|
12 |
The Indian Law Institute
|
A (3.35)
|
II |
|
13 |
Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan
|
A (3.35)
|
II |
Private universities
|
S. No. |
Name of the Private University |
NAAC Score |
Category |
|
1 |
O.P. Jindal Global University
|
A (3.26)
|
II |
|
2 |
Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University
|
A (3.39)
|
II |
List of colleges conferred autonomous status by UGC
|
S. No |
Name of the College &affiliating University |
|
1 |
Yashvantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara, 533, Sadar Bazar, Satara Maharashtra-415 001 affiliated to Shiva-ji University, Kolhapur |
|
2 |
Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kalavakkam-603 110 (Tamilnadu) affiliated to Anna University, Chennai |
|
3 |
G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology & Science (For Women), 8-1-297/2/I, Shaikpet, Hyderabad-500 104 Telangana affiliated to JNTU Hyderabad, Telangana |
|
4 |
Vivekanand College, 2130/E, Tarabai Park, Kolhapur-416 003 (Maharastra) affiliated to Shiva-ji University, Kolhapur |
|
5 |
Sri Vasavi Engineering College, Pedatadepalli, Tadepalligudem-534 101 (West Godavari Dist.,) (Andhra Pradesh) affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada |
|
6 |
Bonam Venkata Chalamayya Engineering College, Odalarevu-553 210,Allavaram Mandal, East Godavari Dist., Andhra Pradesh affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh |
|
7 |
Jai Hind College Basantsing Institute of Science & J.T. Lalvani College of Commerce, 23-24 Backbay Reclamation, A-Road, Churchgate, Mumbai-400 020 affiliated to University of Mumbai, Mumbai-400 032 |
|
8 |
Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Mithibai College of Arts, Chauhan Institute of Amrutben Jivanlal College of Commerce and Economics, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai-400 056 affiliated to University of Mumbai |
As in 2023
Preetu Nair & Hemali Chhapia, TNN, July 5, 2024: The Times of India
From: Preetu Nair & Hemali Chhapia, TNN, July 5, 2024: The Times of India
Academic autonomy is under threat. At least in some states of India where the public university and colleges under it seem to be on the warpath over freedom. Of the 45,000-plus colleges across India, only about 995 are autonomous.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been promoting autonomy for decades. But it has been an arduous long walk to self-rule. For one, autonomy is not uniformly spread across the country: states like Jharkhand, Manipur, Rajasthan and Goa have the lowest count of autonomous colleges with the largest pool in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Secondly, academic autonomy in its truest sense is still uncommon, even though it is a proven fact that academic autonomy has an impact on performance in higher education. It is supposed to allow colleges to function without undue interference, allowing them to do what they do best: offer courses, alter curricula, innovate in teaching-learning and evaluate smartly. Yet, there are not many takers for it.
Multiple Issues
From political interference and universities unwilling to let go of their powers to a sheer lack of ambition and confidence in going independent, colleges across the country are reluctant or slow to turn autonomous for a variety of reasons. This despite the fact of UGC’s repeated prodding of the states to encourage colleges to embrace independence.
A recent note speaks volumes about what is taking place on the ground. “...Some universities do not allow complete autonomy to the autonomous colleges in the matter of designing syllabus, introduction of new courses, and evolving methods of assessment of students’ performance etc. as per provisions of the regulations. Certain universities ask the colleges to sign a MoU/agreement having terms and conditions against the provisions of the UGC regulations,” it said. Several principals in Kerala said universities discourage affiliated colleges from becoming autonomous as they “don’t want a high per- forming college to move out from their ambit”. Given limited flexibility, colleges are not permitted to start new programmes or change the existing syllabus by more than 20%. Autonomous institutes are also penalised disproportionately for oversights such as misspelt names in result sheets.
Worse still, despite all instructions having been fulfilled, universities often do not give approval to start new programmes or put colleges through a long-winding process that can take years. Several autonomous colleges have now approached Kerala High Court in order to obtain approval for new programmes. But even after HC’s nod, a college will have to pay high fees for getting the syllabus approved. For example, Mahatma Gandhi University charges Rs 57,890 for UG programmes and Rs 1.2 lakh for approving PG programmes from autonomous colleges.
Students At Receiving End
But it is the students that are the real sufferers in a clash of academic institutions. For instance, an autonomous college in north Kerala started five new undergraduate pro- grammes in 2022, strictly adhering to UGC regulations of 2018 and submitting all necessary documents to the University of Calicut. Students admitted in those programmes have entered their fourth semester. But the university has yet to take any steps to give affiliation to or recognise these programmes. Since these programmes are not included in the university’s database, the college fears that the students admitted to these courses may be denied degree certificates after completing their course. Worse still, as the college doesn’t have the university’s certificate of affiliation for the five new programmes, NAAC has now sought a clarification from the college in this matter. Such examples point to the difficulties inherent in negotiating an autonomous path for colleges. Given the disconnect between university education and the jobs market, innovative courses through industry and sectoral linkages are clearly the need of the day. However, with state-run universities unwilling to ease up on their jurisdictional powers, the process of reform is likely to remain slow.
WHAT HAMPERS AUTONOMY HOPES
DISCRIMINATION
Though autonomous colleges conduct exams, the degree certificate is awarded by the university. While results of examinations are published and intimated to the universities, there is a delay in issuing provisional and original degree certificates to autonomous colleges, which are penalised for minor mistakes, too. For instance, the university can impose a fine of upto Rs 6,000 if a student’s name is misspelt by a college while the mistake is corrected only after much back and forth. Non-autonomous colleges are fined Rs 50 and the mistake is immediately corrected.
EXTRA WORK
The faculty of an autonomous college is expected to attend the university’s evaluation camps. In case they don’t, an explanation is sought. “Our teachers are also asked to do double duty,” a college in Thrissur district wrote to UGC. It said they have to evaluate papers for the college, and also of university students studying in affiliated colleges that are not autonomous.
CIRCUITOUS PROCESSES
Proposal by an autonomous college for a new course that is not offered by the university has to be first presented to the college’s board of studies, which has a university nominee. Then, it is presented before its academic council, which has three university nominees. For final approval, it is presented before the college’s governing body, which has a university nominee and a state govt nominee. Yet, when the revised syllabus is forwarded to the university, there is a reluctance to clear it. One reason being that there is often no university board of studies that can study the proposal, thus leaving the college in limbo.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
A university charges a one time affiliation fee/annual affiliation for existing programmes. But Calicut University charges higher fees for self-financing courses. While the fees for self financing courses introduced by autonomous colleges is Rs 1.2 lakh, for govt-aided programmes it is Rs 33,090.
Autonomous colleges
As of 2025
Hemali Chhapia & Yogita Rao, TNN, May 26, 2025: The Times of India
From: Hemali Chhapia & Yogita Rao, TNN, May 26, 2025: The Times of India
Mumbai : About a decade ago, in a corner of the economics department at St Xavier’s College, someone scribbled a simple equation on the back of a cafeteria napkin. It was an attempt to put a price on knowledge—how much did a student really pay for each lecture? The answer was a jawdropping 65 paise.
A lecture in an aided course, back then, was cheaper than a cup of roadside chai. The govt chipped in; education was aided and affordable for all. But those days, like old college chalkboards, have faded into sepia. Fast forward to the past seven or eight years, and the campus landscape has changed. The rise of unaided courses—marketed with sleek brochures as “innovative” and “industry-ready”—has rewritten the college catalogue.
These programmes come with a higher threshold for Class 12 scores, visiting faculty who carry the weight of boardrooms, and well-oiled placement machinery. Once rare and peripheral, these courses have now ballooned—spilling across timetables, drawing aspirants in hoards. But along with prestige and promise, they've brought price tags that make 65 paise sound like folklore, pushing many in the lower middle class to take a loan to pay fees.
Principals recall a quieter era, when govt aid paid for leaky roofs and crumbling staircases, & kept classrooms stocked with chalk. That changed with the slow, unceremonious withdrawal of maintenance grants. Vacant teaching posts —once filled with an air of urgency — began to gather dust. “Today, many institutions shuffle along with half their sanctioned faculty missing in action,” said a principal.
And then came the push. From being hand-held by the state, colleges were nudged into becoming “self-sustaining”. To stay afloat, colleges launched unaided courses, the academic equivalent of boutique ventures. Visiting faculty and industry professionals were brought in; their honorariums, one principal admitted, were anything but modest. Full-time faculty for these programmes, too, came with steeper bills. And since the state had bowed out of the financial equation, students were left footing it.
And this, she said, “led to a caste system”, a college within the college. “Soon after, parents started rejecting ‘plain’ commerce and ‘plain’ science,” she explained further. “A student with 38% came and asked for admission in business analytics. I was shocked and asked if he would be able to cope, but the parent and child had lost faith in the old courses.” A shift in parental psyche accompanied the fee spike. “Parents would ask again and again—‘Did you say Rs 445 a month?’ as if we had it wrong,” recalled another principal. “They were used to paying lakhs in school and couldn’t believe college could cost less.”
Yet, somewhere in this price-value spiral, perspective got misplaced. Students and parents felt “innovative” courses were better than the regular commerce and science programme. “Many of our top CEOs studied ‘regular’ commerce. Scientists like Jayant Narlikar studied plain science with physics,” said a principal. “The course didn’t make them. They made the course.”
But few understand. “They look at the price and attach a value to it.” This preference for polish extends beyond pedagogy. “Students come scouting for amenities —Wi-Fi speed, smart boards, the works,” another college head said, half amused. He cited a sports management course with a Rs 2 lakh price tag. “We built a world-class artificial turf. We tied up with a professional agency. That infrastructure needs money.”
At a well-known college, students in management programmes receive Harvard case studies and have access to recorded lectures. “Even though we’re an aided college, the govt only pays half the staff salaries. The rest is managed through self-financed courses,” said the principal. “And junior college fees? Just a few hundred rupees.”
Still, not all that glitters is academic gold. “The fees must reflect value,” said a senior administrator. In the new campus economy, where chalk is replaced by touchscreen, and trust by transaction, one truth endures: The soul of education isn’t in the amenities or the innovative taglines of courses, but in what students take away when the Wi-Fi disconnects.
Colleges in the major cities, 2024
From: June 2, 2025: The Times of India
See graphic:
The number of colleges in India’s Metropolitan Cities, city-wise, presumably as in 2024
