Deemed University vs University
In India, deemed universities are institutions of higher education that are not universities but have been granted the status of a university. Many students are unsure of the differences between a university and a deemed university, which can lead to confusion when deciding on where to pursue their higher education. This article aims to clarify these differences to help readers make an informed choice.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) was established by the Indian government as an autonomous body to oversee higher education and universities in the country. The UGC Act of 1956 empowers the Indian government to grant deemed university status to any institute of higher education, based on the advice of the UGC. A deemed university is considered a university by the government and is treated on par with a university that has been established through the proper formalities. The main purpose of the UGC is to coordinate the activities of universities and determine the standards of higher education institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Deemed universities are granted their status by the Indian government on the recommendation of the UGC, while universities are established by an act of parliament or state assemblies.
- Deemed universities have full autonomy in setting courses, curricula, syllabi, fee structures, and admission guidelines, just like universities.
- Both deemed universities and universities can award degrees under their own names and have similar rights and privileges in terms of education standards and operations.
The main advantage of being a deemed university is that the institution gains full autonomy in setting courses, curricula, syllabi, and fee structures. They also have the freedom to establish their own admission guidelines and methods of instruction for students.
The primary difference between a university and a deemed university lies in the government’s intention to grant university status to deserving institutes to provide more educational options for students, as there were few universities in India. Establishing a university requires passing an act in the parliament or the state legislative assembly and involves many other formalities, as well as a significant amount of money. Granting deemed university status to an institute is beneficial for both the institute and the government. It elevates the institute’s reputation among students, as it no longer needs to be affiliated with a university and can award degrees under its own name. A crucial requirement for an institute to become a deemed university is to transition from being solely a teaching institution to one that also offers research facilities.
Over the past 55 years since the UGC was established, more than one hundred institutions of higher education have been granted deemed university status.
In summary, the main difference between a deemed university and a university is the way they are established. Universities are established by an act of parliament or state assemblies, while deemed universities are granted their status by the Indian government based on the recommendation of the UGC. In essence, there is no significant difference between the two, as both can award degrees under their own names and have the freedom to set their courses, admission criteria, and fee structures.
