In India, a Deemed University is a type of higher education institute. It has been recognized by the status of “Deemed to be University” under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956. In broad terms, it means that the institution in question has been granted permission to offer its own degree programs, which are equivalent to those provided by regular universities.
Deemed University Meaning
The term “Deemed University” refers to an institution of higher education that has been granted the status of a university by the government. This status is typically awarded to institutions that are considered outstanding in their field and have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in teaching and research.
Deemed universities are autonomous and have the authority to design and implement their own academic programs, syllabi, and evaluation systems. They are not affiliated with any traditional university and are considered equal to other universities in the country.
What is Deemed University?
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India, a deemed university is an institution of higher education that has been recognized for its excellence in teaching and research. The UGC grants the status of a deemed university to institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality education and conducting cutting-edge research.
In India, deemed universities are considered on par with regular universities and are allowed to award their own degrees. However, the UGC still maintains some oversight over these institutions to ensure that they continue to meet the high standards required for this prestigious designation.
Deemed University: Eligibility Criteria
In India, the eligibility criteria for obtaining the status of a deemed university are determined by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
1. Deemed to be universities have been categorized as Category I (with a National Assessment and Accreditation Council [NAAC] accreditation score of 3.51 or higher) or Category II (with a NAAC accreditation score of 3.26 to 3.50) or ranked from 1-50 in the current National Institutional Ranking Framework [NIRF] rankings can start off-campus locations with the approval of the Government of India.
2. Off-campus locations must have the following:
- A teacher-student ratio of 1:20 means that for every 20 students, there must be at least one teacher.
- A faculty strength of at least 25, meaning that there must be at least 25 faculty members
- At least 500 students in regular classroom programs, with at least one-third of them being postgraduate or research students
- At least three postgraduate departments with research programs
- A minimum built-up area of 30 square meters per student for academic buildings, libraries, lecture halls, laboratories, hostels, faculty residences, health care, and other common and recreational facilities.
3. Category 1-50 NIRF-ranked institutions or I are allowed to have only three off-campuses in a period of five years, with no more than one campus in one academic year. This means that they can open a maximum of three off-campus locations over the course of five years, with a maximum of one new location per academic year.
4. Category II or 1-50 NIRF-ranked institutions are allowed to have only two off-campuses in a period of five years, with no more than one campus in one academic year. This means that they can open a maximum of two off-campus locations over the course of five years, with a maximum of one new location per academic year.
5. The applicant institution should have been in existence for more than 20 years and top 100 ranks for the overall ranking.
In general, The applicant institution should provide courses that are multi-disciplinary in nature and must demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality education and conducting cutting-edge research to be considered for this prestigious designation.
Process of Getting the Deemed University Status
The process of obtaining the status of a deemed university in India is determined by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Once an institution has met the general eligibility criteria for deemed university status, it must submit an application to the UGC along with detailed information about its academic programs, faculty members, research activities, infrastructure, and other relevant factors.
The UGC will then review the application and evaluate the institution to determine whether it meets the required standards for deemed university status. If the institution is found to be eligible, the UGC will grant it the status of a deemed university and issue a formal notification.
The University should follow the following steps to achieve Deemed university status successfully:
- The institution must ensure that its curriculum and teaching-learning process meet all requirements. This includes meeting student support services, faculty qualifications, and research activity standards.
- The institution must apply to the UGC by registering here.
- The UGC will review the application and recommend the central government.
- If the government approves, the institution will be granted Deemed University status.
- The institution will be required to sign an agreement with the UGC that outlines the terms and conditions of the Deemed University status.
Benefits of Being a Deemed University
There are several benefits to being a deemed university. Some of the most notable benefits include:
- The ability to award degrees to students, which is a prestigious and sought-after recognition in the field of higher education
- Recognition for excellence in teaching and research, which can enhance the reputation and credibility of the institution
- A high level of autonomy in academic, administrative, and financial matters, allows the institution to operate more efficiently and effectively
- Increased funding and support from the government and other sources for research and other academic activities
- The ability to attract high-quality faculty members and students can further enhance the institution’s reputation and ability to conduct cutting-edge research.
Overall, being a deemed university can provide several significant benefits that can help an institution to achieve its academic and research goals.
FAQs on Deemed University
1. What is the difference between a University and a Deemed to be University?
Both are degree granting Institutions. They have different criteria for establishment and procedure for grant of degrees. Universities are established by a notification from the Central Government while a deemed to be university is one that is declared by the Notification of Government to be a Deemed University.
2. What is the difference between Deemed and Deemed to be University?
Both are same. In fact, the actual terms is ‘Deemed to be University’.
3. What is Difference between ‘Deemed University and ‘Other University’?
There is a big difference between a Deemed University and any other university. A Deemed University is an Institution of Higher Education that operates at a very high standard in a specific study area. These institutions enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university.
In contrast, any other university simply offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses and awards degrees. There is no special status or privileges associated with being an ‘Other University’.
The UGC can declare an institution as a Deemed University based on the commission’s advice. Deemed Universities’ Institutions enjoy a high level of autonomy, which includes the freedom to award degrees.
In contrast, there is no special status or privileges associated with being an ‘Other University’.
4. Is Deemed University Private or Government?
A deemed university is neither a private university, nor it is completely under the Government. A university is deemed to be a university because it has been approved by Central Government (UGC) as having a high academic standard and following some eligibility criteria.
5. What are the criteria to maintain the Deemed University Status?
Maintaining status as a Deemed University is pretty simple. As long as the institution meets the required standards, it can retain its status.
6. What are the Disadvantages of being a Deemed University?
The main downside of being a deemed university is that degrees awarded by these institutions will not be recognized outside India. Additionally, these institutions are often more expensive to attend than other universities.
7. How many Deemed Universities are there in India?
As of 2021, there are 126 Deemed Universities in India.
List of Deemed Universities in India
| Institute | State |
| Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management | Andhra Pradesh |
| Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation | Andhra Pradesh |
| Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research | Andhra Pradesh |
| Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning | Andhra Pradesh |
| North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Nava Nalanda Mahavihara | Bihar |
| Punjab Engineering College | Chandigarh |
| Indian Agricultural Research Institute | Delhi |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade | Delhi |
| Indian Law Institute | Delhi |
| Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences | Delhi |
| Jamia Hamdard | Delhi |
| National Museum Institute of the History of Art, Conservation and Museology | Delhi |
| National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration | Delhi |
| TERI School of Advanced Studies | Delhi |
| Gujarat Vidyapith | Gujarat |
| Sumandeep Vidyapeeth | Gujarat |
| Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth | Haryana |
| Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) | Haryana |
| Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies | Haryana |
| National Brain Research Centre | Haryana |
| National Dairy Research Institute | Haryana |
| Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra | Jharkhand |
| BLDE (Deemed to be University) | Karnataka |
| Christ (Deemed to be University) | Karnataka |
| Indian Institute of Science | Karnataka |
| International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore | Karnataka |
| JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research | Karnataka |
| Jain (Deemed to be University) | Karnataka |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research | Karnataka |
| KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research | Karnataka |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Karnataka |
| NITTE (Deemed to be University) | Karnataka |
| Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research | Karnataka |
| Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education | Karnataka |
| Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana | Karnataka |
| Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) | Karnataka |
| Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology | Kerala |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | Kerala |
| Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education | Madhya Pradesh |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth | Maharashtra |
| Central Institute of Fisheries Education | Maharashtra |
| D. Y. Patil Education Society | Maharashtra |
| Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences | Maharashtra |
| Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute | Maharashtra |
| Defence Institute of Advanced Technology | Maharashtra |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | Maharashtra |
| Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics | Maharashtra |
| Homi Bhabha National Institute | Maharashtra |
| Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research | Maharashtra |
| Institute of Chemical Technology | Maharashtra |
| International Institute for Population Sciences | Maharashtra |
| Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences | Maharashtra |
| MGM Institute of Health Sciences | Maharashtra |
| Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | Maharashtra |
| Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | Maharashtra |
| Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences | Maharashtra |
| Symbiosis International | Maharashtra |
| Tata Institute of Fundamental Research | Maharashtra |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences | Maharashtra |
| Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth | Maharashtra |
| Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | Odisha |
| Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan | Odisha |
| Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth | Puducherry |
| Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology | Punjab |
| Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology | Punjab |
| Banasthali Vidyapith | Rajasthan |
| Birla Institute of Technology and Science | Rajasthan |
| IIS (Deemed to be University) | Rajasthan |
| Institute of Advanced Studies in Education | Rajasthan |
| Jain Vishva Bharati Institute | Rajasthan |
| Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth | Rajasthan |
| LNM Institute of Information Technology | Rajasthan |
| Academy of Maritime Education and Training | Tamil Nadu |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Tamil Nadu |
| Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women | Tamil Nadu |
| B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | Tamil Nadu |
| Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research | Tamil Nadu |
| Chennai Mathematical Institute | Tamil Nadu |
| Chettinad Academy of Research and Education | Tamil Nadu |
| Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute | Tamil Nadu |
| Gandhigram Rural Institute | Tamil Nadu |
| Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science | Tamil Nadu |
| Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education | Tamil Nadu |
| Karpagam Academy of Higher Education | Tamil Nadu |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | Tamil Nadu |
| Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research | Tamil Nadu |
| Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education | Tamil Nadu |
| Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science & Technology | Tamil Nadu |
| Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology | Tamil Nadu |
| Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | Tamil Nadu |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences | Tamil Nadu |
| Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy | Tamil Nadu |
| Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya | Tamil Nadu |
| Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute | Tamil Nadu |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Tamil Nadu |
| St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education and Research | Tamil Nadu |
| Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology | Tamil Nadu |
| Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies | Tamil Nadu |
| Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation | Tamil Nadu |
| Vellore Institute of Technology | Tamil Nadu |
| ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education | Telangana |
| International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad | Telangana |
| Bhatkhande Music Institute | Uttar Pradesh |
| Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies | Uttar Pradesh |
| Dayalbagh Educational Institute | Uttar Pradesh |
| Indian Veterinary Research Institute | Uttar Pradesh |
| Jaypee Institute of Information Technology | Uttar Pradesh |
| Nehru Gram Bharati | Uttar Pradesh |
| Santosh (Deemed to be University) | Uttar Pradesh |
| Shobhit Institute of Engineering & Technology | Uttar Pradesh |
| Forest Research Institute | Uttarakhand |
| Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) | Uttarakhand |
| Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya | Uttarakhand |
| Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute | West Bengal |
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Conclusion:
Now you know more about what it means to be a Deemed University in India. You also understand that for any institution to achieve the status of a Deemed University, it must meet specific standards. However, there are some disadvantages associated with this status as well.
The main goal of providing you with information on deemed universities in India is to help you know more about this type of University and its benefits. As you can see, a lot of research and a commitment to meet specific standards will need to achieve the status of Deemed University.
If you need further information about deemed universities is required. In that case, you can visit the official website of UGC at ugc.ac.in or other sources that provide more information on this subject.