UGC (University Grants Commission) is now allowing old autonomous arts and science colleges to come up with their own degrees. Till now, only universities were permitted to grant degrees but with this new move, about 50 autonomous arts and science colleges will come up with their own degrees.

In India, only universities are permitted to grant undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees to students, but with UGC’s proposal, about 50 autonomous arts and science colleges in the country will be empowered to provide their own degrees for undergraduate students.

Most autonomous colleges manage all academic activities, including framing curriculum, conducting examinations, and evaluating student performance. Only the degree is awarded by a university. This move will leave the universities with more time and manpower for research work.

However, some feel that students would prefer to get a degree from a 100+ old university than from a 20-year-old college as the universities are better recognized. Also UGC needs to ensure that this empowerment does not affect the quality of education.