UGC deemed-to-be university amendment lets state constituent colleges apply, eases MoA and NAAC rules
The UGC deemed-to-be university amendment allows constituent and autonomous colleges of state universities to apply for deemed-to-be university status if the state government denotifies them. The change also permits colleges to become off-campus centres of another institution, subject to approvals.
What the UGC deemed-to-be university amendment changes
The amendment requires institutions to present NAAC grades from the latest three cycles to be considered for deemed status. Institutions that already receive government funding but can generate at least 50% of their revenue need not renew their Memorandum of Association (MoA) periodically, provided audited accounts prove financial self-sufficiency.
A college or unit can apply to become an off-campus centre of an existing deemed-to-be university, but the affiliating university must issue a no-objection certificate (NOC). If the affiliating university does not respond within 60 days , it is presumed to have no objection.
Who can apply under the UGC deemed-to-be university amendment
A constituent or autonomous college may apply only after the state government explicitly denotifies it as eligible for the new status. A separate NOC from the state government is required before any formal change in status or admission activity.
Institutions declared deemed-to-be universities prior to the regulations must amend their MoA to comply within one year from the commencement of these rules. The amendment also adds a category for institutions “sponsored by philanthropic organisations,” with specific funding conditions tied to MoA renewal relief.
Key numbers and dates
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total deemed-to-be universities (UGC) | 155 |
| Growth since 2022 | From 126 (2022) to 155 |
| States with most deemed varsities | Tamil Nadu: 29 , Maharashtra: 24 |
| First deemed-to-be university | IISc Bangalore, 1958 |
| Affiliation NOC decision window | 60 days |
| MoA amendment deadline for existing institutions | Within 1 year from regulation commencement |
What this means for you as a student
If you study at a state university constituent or autonomous college, this amendment could change your college’s governance if the state denotifies it. Off-campus conversions may affect where new students are admitted, but changes can happen only after formal approvals from state and affiliating authorities.
For students considering fee or course changes, note that deemed status triggers separate approvals from the UGC and the Ministry of Education for new programmes, off-campus centres and distance education offerings.
Official reference
These changes are part of the UGC [Institutions Deemed to be Universities] Amendment Regulations, 2023 and are reflected on the UGC website listing 155 deemed-to-be universities. For procedural timelines and exact regulatory text, check official UGC notifications and ministry circulars.