Shoolini University gets category-1 autonomy from UGC, plans for ODL courses

Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, has been certified with the category-1 autonomy status by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The recognition gives Shoolini University the highest level of academic and administrative autonomy.

Shoolini University’s category-1 status enables it to establish new courses and departments, launch off-campus centres and collaborate with international institutions, all without seeking prior approval from the UGC. It has joined the group of India’s top autonomous and “high-performing” institutions.

UGC category-1 universities are also given the freedom to offer programmes in open and distance learning (ODL) mode. The university needs to submit programme details and supporting documents to the UGC distance education bureau.

Shoolini University: UGC autonomy criteria

Shoolini University fulfilled the requirements laid down by UGC’s autonomy framework, which includes maintaining a position among the top 500 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The recognition came following submission of a proposal by the institute during the 591st meeting of the UGC. This was the university’s first-ever application under the Ministry of Education.

Also read UGC grants category-I graded autonomy to Kerala’s MG University

PK Khosla, founder-chancellor of the university, expressed pride at Shoolini achieving category-1 status: “With this momentum, I envision Shoolini University evolving into an institution on par with Oxford in the coming decade. We must now focus on increasing our global citations. I firmly believe that Shoolini will be among the top 50 global universities within the next 10 years.”

In order to maintain the UGC recognition, Shoolini University must inform about any drop in ranking or accreditation within a period of 30 days. Shoolini also has to notify the UGC about the new plans which will be implemented under the category-1 status. A compliance with the provisions of the Graded Autonomy Regulations, 2018, has to be submitted.

Failure of compliance with the standards will lead to a withdrawal of Shoolini’s academic autonomy.