'Light but tight' deemed universities norms announced

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday announced the new UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023 that will be applicable to over 126 deemed to be universities in the country.

The new regulations also introduce a new 'Distinct Institution' category for institutes that are focussed on teaching and research in unique areas such as the country's strategic needs, preservation of India's cultural heritage, environment and skill development, as reported by ET. The regulations promise a more self-disclosure based, transparent monitoring system for deemed varsities - with minimal physical inspection and a handholding approach to address institutional deficiencies.

Pradhan said that the new regulations will enable the establishment of quality-focused deemed to be universities in a transparent manner, fostering excellence, strengthening research and transforming higher education'.

UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said that the regulations are 'in tune with NEP 2020 - light but tight' and will help encourage many more high-quality institutions to come in emerging areas to meet students' aspirations.

He added that the term 'deemed to be universities' will be removed once the Higher Education Commission of India is set up.