In India, the term Deemed to be University holds immense importance for educational institutions. It is a prestigious recognition conferred upon select institutions by the government, allowing them to function as universities while enjoying certain privileges and autonomy. In this article, we will explore what exactly the 'Deemed to be University tag signifies and why it matters in the Indian educational landscape.
What is a Deemed to be University?
The tag 'Deemed to be University' is granted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India. It is a special status that recognizes certain institutions for their academic excellence, infrastructure, and contribution to education and research. Institutions with this tag have the privilege to operate as universities and independently award degrees to their students.
Autonomy and Freedom
One of the significant benefits of being a 'Deemed to be University' is the increased autonomy it brings. These institutions have the freedom to design their own courses, syllabi, and evaluation methods. This enables them to adapt their curriculum to meet industry demands and provide specialized education. They can also establish collaborations with other national and international educational institutions for research and exchange programs.
Degree-Granting Authority
A Deemed-to-be University is authorized to confer degrees to its students. This means that the degrees awarded by these institutions hold the same value and recognition as those offered by traditional universities. Students graduating from these institutions can pursue higher studies or seek employment opportunities with confidence, knowing that their degrees are widely accepted.
Research and Innovation
The Deemed to be University status encourages institutions to focus on research and innovation. These institutions often have well-equipped laboratories, research centres, and access to grants and funding opportunities. The tag encourages faculty members and students to engage in cutting-edge research, leading to advancements in various fields and contributing to the development of the nation.
Specialized and Niche Programs
Many Deemed to be Universities offer specialized and niche programs that may not be available in traditional universities. These institutions can create unique courses tailored to specific industry requirements or emerging fields. This flexibility in program offerings allows students to pursue their interests and gain expertise in areas that align with their career goals.
National and International Recognition
The 'Deemed to be University tag brings national and international recognition to the institution. It enhances the reputation and credibility of the institution among students, parents, and employers. This recognition often attracts talented faculty members and students from across the country and even from abroad.
Conclusion
The Deemed to be University tag holds significant value for educational institutions in India. It signifies academic excellence, autonomy, and the authority to confer degrees. Institutions with this status enjoy the freedom to innovate, conduct research, and offer specialized programs. The tag also enhances the institution's reputation and provides access to national and international collaborations. Aspiring students can consider Deemed to be Universities as a viable option for quality education and rewarding career prospects.
Author: DR.N.V. Srinivasa Rao Post Date: 26 May 2023 A Deemed university is also called a deemed-to-be-university. It is a special identity that will be offered to an institute of higher learning in our country by the DHE (Department of Higher Education) under the MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource Development). This recognition will be offered on the recommendation of the UGC (University Grant Commission). There are many such Institutes in India and I understand the Tamil Nadu state is having the highest number of deemed universities. These days we are seeing many deemed universities. I fear, if these institutes will not maintain their standards there will be a great fall in the standards of education. So UGC should be monitoring these institutes regularly and audits by external agencies should be made mandatory.
This tag will be given to some of the institutes which have proven records of excellence in academics as well as research activities also. These institutes will have full autonomy. They will have their own freedom to decide their programs, syllabus, application, and admission procedure as well as fees. But a deemed university will not have any affiliated colleges with it. They will grant degrees and diplomas.
An institute must meet some requirements to get this recognition. The requirements are as mentioned below. 1. The institute should have been awarded the highest score by the NAAC, and/or, the NBA for five consecutive cycles.
2. The institute should be in the first 100 rankings awarded by the National Ranking Framework.
3. The institute should satisfy the UGC in academics, teaching strategies, research facilities, etc. and should meet the minimum criteria prescribed.
4. The institution should be offering a minimum of five post-graduate degrees in addition to the undergraduate degree for at least a minimum period of 3 years in succession.
5. The institute should get involved in quality research activities with quality work and should have some publications also. These publications should be in peer-reviewed Journals or in the list of journals published by UGC.
6. The institute should have a sufficient number of full-time teaching staff members for both teaching and research operations.
7. The institution should have the required infrastructure and other facilities for doing research
8. The university should have interaction with industry and other local organisations and that should be evidenced in the form of Projects and financial aid sanctioned to the institute by these organisations. 9. A deemed university should accept that it is not going to offer education in distance mode.
A deemed university can become a university if it maintains its identity and continues to be a top institute in various fields and continues quality research, I believe.