UGC Invites Proposals for Establishment of Off-Campus Centers by Private Universities

State Private Universities are permitted to establish off-campus centers within the jurisdiction of their respective states, subject to prior approval from both the UGC and the State Government.

In a significant development aimed at expanding the educational landscape in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a public notice inviting proposals from private universities to set up off-campus centers. This move comes following the approval of modalities by the Commission during its 577th Meeting held on February 13, 2024.

According to the UGC's 'Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities Regulations, 2003', State Private Universities are permitted to establish off-campus centers within the jurisdiction of their respective states, subject to prior approval from both the UGC and the State Government.

As per the UGC Notice, private universities meeting the criteria outlined in Annexure-I of the regulations and wishing to establish off-campus centers within their states are encouraged to submit their proposals to the UGC in the prescribed format provided in Annexure-II.

It is important to note that private universities are prohibited from affiliating institutions or colleges and are restricted from establishing off-campus centers beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the concerned state. However, they are permitted to establish off-campus centers within the state after a period of five years of their existence, subject to prior approval from the UGC.

Furthermore, the commencement of courses under the distance mode by private universities requires prior approval from the UGC. Interested parties seeking information about the validity of courses offered under the distance mode are advised to contact the Distance Education bureau of the UGC.

As of now, the UGC has not approved any off-campus centers for any private university, indicating that this invitation for proposals presents a new opportunity for private educational institutions to expand their reach and offerings within their respective states.

This move by the UGC is expected to promote greater accessibility and diversity in higher education while ensuring that quality standards are maintained across all off-campus centers established by private universities.