NAAC accredited universities no longer need UGC nod to start new courses, departments

The new rule is applicable to those institutes which can manage their own funds and have NAAC rating of more than 3.26

Universities that have a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) score of more than 3.26 (out of 4) will be able to start new courses, department or centres without the approval from University Grants Commission (UGC), provided they arrange funds on their own. This new rule is part of the UGC (Categorization of Universities (only) for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018, released earlier this week.

The MU was last accredited by NAAC in April 2012, during which it received ‘A’ grade and the same was applicable till March 31, 2017. (HT file)

“New courses shall be consistent with the approved nomenclature of the UGC and new diploma and certificate courses may be started in new and innovative areas that are relevant to local, national or international needs,” reads the statement released by the UGC.

It further states while seeking permission to start a new campus centre by deemed institutes, no inspection of the UGC will be required.

Other than permission for starting new courses, departments or sub-centres, universities scoring more than 3.26 in NAAC will also be allowed to, without permissions, hire foreign faculty who have taught at any of the top 500 reputable universities as per world rankings.

“While following the pay scale as laid down by the UGC, universities will be allowed to build in an incentive structure to attract talented faculty, with the condition that the structure shall have to be paid from their own revenue sources and not from the UGC or government funds,” the statement adds.

The University of Mumbai (MU) has been functioning without an NAAC grade since April 2017. To make matters worse, the varsity has missed the third cycle since April to apply for a fresh round of NAAC grading to retain its autonomy. The MU was last accredited by NAAC in April 2012, during which it received ‘A’ grade and the same was applicable till March 31, 2017. Usually, all UGC affiliated universities and institutes reapply to continue their affiliations before their previous ones lapse. But almost 10 months after its affiliation lapsed, the MU is yet to initiate the accreditation process.

“Currently, the varsity is focusing on announcing all results at the earliest. Therefore its manpower is being used for the process. We should be able to apply for reaffiliation by May this year,” said a senior MU official.