UGC Cautions Universities Over Delays, Non-Compliance in Granting Autonomy to Colleges

The Higher Education Regulator has asked affiliating universities to adhere strictly to 2023 autonomy regulations in line with NEP 2020

In a recent letter to universities across the country, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has raised concerns over delays and non-compliance in implementing the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023.

The Commission has urged all affiliating universities to implement the norms in both "letter and spirit" as part of broader reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The UGC has pointed out that while college autonomy is essential to achieving quality and broad-based higher education, several universities have been slow or non-responsive on the UGC portal in processing autonomy applications of affiliated colleges. Specifically, the Commission has flagged delays in processing applications within the mandated 30 working days and in issuing official notifications within 30 days after autonomy is granted.

Moreover, the UGC in its letter has highlighted that some universities are undermining the autonomy granted to colleges by interfering in key academic matters. These include restrictions on syllabus design, introduction of new courses, and methods of student assessment—all of which are explicitly under the purview of autonomous colleges according to the 2023 Regulations. In certain cases, universities have reportedly compelled colleges to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that contradict UGC norms.

"The affiliating universities are requested to implement the UGC Regulations, 2023, in letter and spirit," the Commission stated. "Your support and contribution will go a long way in achieving the objectives of autonomy of colleges to enhance quality of higher education in the country."

The UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023 were notified as part of the NEP 2020 agenda, aiming to empower higher education institutions to offer high-quality teaching, research, and community engagement with greater academic freedom.

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