Lucknow University Joins Grade One of Academic Autonomy | 29 Nov 2023

Why In News?

According to information received from the media on November 28, 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has given Lucknow University the status of Category-1 university. With this, the university will be able to start online and distance education courses by fulfilling the prescribed conditions. Along with this, he will also get the next level of academic autonomy.

Key Points:

  • After becoming a Category-I institution recognized by the UGC, Lucknow University can now start courses in open and distance learning mode without the approval of the Commission if it fulfills the conditions prescribed under the UGC (Open and Distance Education) Regulations 2017 and amendments made from time to time. Also, new courses, programs, departments and centers can be started in related subjects without the approval of UGC.
  • Apart from this, the university can take decisions such as starting new diploma and certificate courses within the geographical jurisdiction, opening off-campus centers within the geographical jurisdiction, starting skill courses, opening research park-incubation center-university social relations center, hiring foreign faculty, admitting more than 20 percent of the total number.
  • Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University Prof. Alok Kumar Rai said that Category-1 institutions enjoy greater academic and administrative autonomy, which enables them to design their curriculum, take administrative decisions, start innovative programmes, appoint foreign faculty and encourage current faculty.
  • Dean Academic Prof. Mishra said the dean's university was already launching new innovative programmes in line with UGC rules like twinning, joint and dual degrees and online and distance learning. After getting Category-1 status, the number of formalities for any new beginning is reduced.
  • Lucknow University had sent a proposal to the UGC to start distance and online courses after getting an A plus-plus grade in NAAC. It includes both undergraduate and master's courses. To start a distance and online course, the highest rank in NAAC is required. Now that the university has got category-1 status, it will not face any hurdle in starting the course.

Lucknow University