The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released a comprehensive draft outlining guidelines for the recognition of colleges. Known as the 'University Grants Commission (Recognition of Colleges under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act) Regulations, 2023,' these guidelines aim to establish a standardized process for identifying colleges under this pivotal section of the UGC Act.

Colleges falling within the purview of Section 2(f) of the UGC Act are those receiving financial support and eligibility for central assistance, specifically the UGC grants under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956. These grants adhere to approved assistance models across various educational schemes.

Defining a college as any institution, affiliated or constituent, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D. programs, or diploma courses spanning at least one academic year, the UGC outlines the minimum criterion for admission as a Bachelor's degree.

In the application process for recognition, colleges must submit essential documentation through the designated UGC portal. This includes documentation of the college's establishment, society registration certificates, certification of affiliation from the respective university, approvals from statutory bodies, and a notarized undertaking jointly signed by the college's management and principal on non-judicial stamp paper worth at least Rs 100.

As per the recently unveiled draft guidelines, the UGC mandates that all current colleges must secure UGC recognition under Section 2(f) within three years from the official notification of these regulations. For colleges established or affiliated after the implementation of these guidelines, they too, must obtain UGC recognition under Section 2(f) within three years of their establishment or affiliation.

These provisions ensure a standardized framework for all colleges, aligning them with UGC regulations to maintain consistency and quality across the higher education landscape.

News Source: The Hindu