Ahmedabad, Aug 5 (IANS) Gujarat University has become the first state university in Gujarat to be granted Category II graded autonomy by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This move will allow it to introduce new academic programmes, strengthen research and expand international collaboration with fewer regulatory approvals.
The UGC granted the university Category II status on July 29, under the UGC (Categorisation of Universities [Only] for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018.
The recognition makes Gujarat University the first and only state university in Gujarat to receive the status and the associated academic and administrative benefits.
Under the graded autonomy framework, Gujarat University will be able to introduce new academic programmes, departments, schools and specialised centres within its existing academic structure without seeking prior approval from the UGC.
The university will also be permitted to offer industry-oriented, employment-focused diploma and certificate courses aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
The autonomy also allows the university to appoint qualified foreign faculty members on a contractual basis up to 20 per cent of its approved faculty strength.
In addition, it may admit international students up to 20 per cent of its sanctioned student intake on merit and expand its academic offerings through Open and Distance Learning (ODL).
State Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja congratulated the Gujarat University fraternity, including its faculty members and students, on securing the recognition.
“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat’s education sector is reaching new heights. This recognition received by Gujarat University marks a golden chapter in the history of higher education in the state and will serve as a strong foundation for realising the vision of Viksit Gujarat and Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
Dr Vaja said the achievement reflected Gujarat University’s academic excellence, quality research and effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
He expressed confidence that the autonomy would strengthen students’ skill development and generate greater employment opportunities.
“This historic autonomy will provide a new direction and unprecedented momentum to advanced research, innovation, multidisciplinary academic programmes and international academic collaborations at Gujarat University,” the minister said.
–IANS
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