Mumbai: Birla College honoured with UGC title, grant

The Birla College of Arts, Science & Commerce in Kalyan became the third college in Mumbai to be conferred with the College of Excellence title by the University Grants Commission on Saturday.

After St. Xavier’s College and Ramnarain Ruia College, the Birla College of Arts, Science & Commerce in Kalyan became the third college in Mumbai to be conferred with the College of Excellence title by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Saturday.

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The award comes with a grant of Rs 2 crore that can be spent over a period of five years towards improving the infrastructure of the college.

“We are very happy to receive the title. Our college has displayed good performance for the last five years. This title also comes with a huge responsibility towards the society and our students,” said Dr Swapna Samel, principal of Birla College.

UGC had started the Potential for Excellence Award almost a decade ago to fund the colleges, which have been doing well on their own. St. Xavier’s College had received a similar award 2006 as well. UGC replaced the Potential for Excellence Award with the College of Excellence title.

The colleges that apply for this grant need to have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) above 3.5 from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

“The award is important for colleges, especially the aided ones. They do not get funding from government for any infrastructural development. The grant can be used for various departments, educational processes and infrastructural development,” said Dr Frazer Mascarenhas, principal of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai.