UGC Issues Guidelines to State Private Universities for off-campus centres.

Off-campus centers within state-private universities can now be established by the University Grant Commission (UGC).

The University Grant Commission (UGC) recently announced the modalities for state-private universities to set up off-campus centres within their respective states. According to the 2003 (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulation, private universities can establish off-campus centers.
 

As per the official notice issued by the UGC, here are a few guidelines that universities shall adhere to:

1. Off-campus centers may only be established within the jurisdiction of the state establishing the university.
2. To be eligible to start the off-campus centers, the university must have,

• The accreditation of an accreditation agency.
• Have completed at least five years of tenure on the main campus with academic programs and activities. 
• Have a provision to open off-campus centers in the relevant state university act.

3. A state private university must obtain approval and a letter of intent from the relevant authorities before beginning any of these programs. The structure and facilities of the proposed off-campus center should be in accordance with the norms laid out by the authorities.
4. An off-campus center must be located on land that the university owns or leases for a minimum period of 30 years.
5. An administrative fee of Rs 10 lacs shall be charged to state private universities for the establishment of the off-campus center.
6. To ensure parity with the main campus, the university must maintain high standards of education at the off-campus center, including faculty expertise and physical infrastructure.
    

The UGC website offers detailed information on the guidelines and requirements, so stakeholders may gain a comprehensive understanding of them.