UGC Regulations, 2023 and Its Salient Features

UGC 2023 (Samvat University Institute)

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development Shri Dharmendra Pradhan released the UGC (Samvat University Institute) Regulations, 2023. UGC 2023 will help in building quality focused deemed universities, UGC 2023 will replace the 2019 guidelines. The new rules have been framed on the principle of a "simple yet stringent" regulatory framework as envisaged in the National Education Policy 2020.

The salient features of the regulations are as follows:-

The new simplified guidelines will encourage universities to focus on quality and excellence, strengthen the research ecosystem and make a long-term impact in transforming our higher education landscape. The norms will facilitate creation of many more quality oriented Deemed Universities in an objective and transparent manner.
The eligibility criteria for applying for deemed university status is NAAC 'A' grade with at least 3.01 CGPA for three consecutive cycles or NBA accreditation for two-thirds of the eligible programs for three consecutive cycles or the previous three There is any one of the NIRF ratings for years. Be in the top 50 of the specified category or in the top 100 of NIRF rankings for the last three years.
A group of institutions managed by more than one sponsoring body can also apply for deemed university status.
Sponsoring bodies desirous of granting Deemed University status to their institutions may apply 'Online'. The expert committee assesses the facilities in virtual mode, interacts with the stakeholders and examines the documents.
Deemed University Institutions may start new courses or programs in any field in their existing campuses and approved off-campus centers with prior approval of the
Executive Council and approval of the concerned Statutory Council, wherever applicable.
An existing institution or institute focused on teaching and research in specific disciplines and/or meeting the strategic needs of the country or engaged in the preservation of Indian cultural heritage or protection of the environment or dedicated to skill development or sports is dedicated to. or languages or any other subject(s), that institution shall be considered under the 'Special Institution' category as determined by the Expert Committee of the Commission. Such institutions will be exempted from the eligibility criteria.
Institutions of Samvat Vishwavidyalaya compulsorily create Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) identity of their students and upload their credit score in Digital Locker and ensure that the credit score is reflected in ABC portal and adopt efficient e-governance. In addition, the institutions may offer dual degree programmes, joint degree programs and dual degree programs as per the provisions laid down in the relevant regulations.
The Institution Deemed to be University shall follow the rules and regulations regarding fee structure, number of seats etc. issued by the respective statutory bodies and if any Institution Deemed to be University offers various courses which are approved by various statutory bodies i.e. University Grants Commission. All India Council of Technical Education, National Medical Council etc. then the rules and regulations issued by the concerned statutory body regarding fee structure, number of seats etc. will be applicable.