UGC Invites Proposals From State Private Universities To Set Up Off-Campus Centres
The University Grant Commission has invited proposals from State Private Universities to set up off-campus centres within the jurisdiction of their respective states, with the prior approval of UGC and respective State governments. The decision was taken under the UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulation, 2003.
The modalities to set up the off-campus centres within the state were approved on February 13, 2024, in the Commission’s 577th meeting. As per the notice, the universities can start off-campus centres, within the jurisdiction of the State. The proposal will be scrutinized by the Standing Committee for approval of 12 B Status and accepting compliance towards the fulfilment of criteria under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956.
Off-campus means a centre of the university located outside its main campus. The decision is in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020 which calls for an increase in enrolment by setting up higher education institutions.
Essential Criteria for the Proposal Submission
Universities are required to fulfil certain criteria to start the off-campus centre which is also conditioned to be inspected by the commission. The university must have completed at least five years academically at its main campus to start off-campus facility. It is also required to accept compliance in terms of programs, faculty, infrastructure, and financial viability set by UGC. In addition, the university must be accredited by the accrediting agency.
The university should have the prospect of starting a specific program in the off-campus centre. As per the notification, new programs or departments can be established in the off-campus centre after obtaining the required approval for doing so.
The ownership title of the land or lease for at least 30 years of the off-campus centre should be with the private university. A processing fee of Rs 10 Lakh will also be charged from the university and the details submitted to the UGC shall be displayed on the University’s website.
UGC also emphasized the positive academic vision of the university to start off-campus centres instead of being driven by commercial interests. It also warned against disciplinary actions against any violation of rules and regulations. Private State Universities may also take over their subsidiary college following an NOC.
Commission has also issued proforma for submission of the proposal which has to be dually signed by the VC and Registrar of the University.
