What is a Distinct Category?
An existing or new institution focused on unique disciplines, strategic national needs, or engaged in
Deemed To Be University
An institution (or cluster) delivering high academic standards in a specific area may be declared a “Deemed to be University” under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, upon recommendation from UGC to the Central Government.
CRITERIA FOR DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY
An institution of higher education, or a group of institutions, other than a university, that performs high-quality work in a specific field, can be declared as a Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. This declaration is made by the Central Government based on the recommendation of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Criteria for Deemed to be University
Once declared, the institution is treated as a university under the UGC Act. All provisions of the Act apply to the institution as if it were a university, as defined under clause (f) of Section 2 of the UGC Act.
New Institutions under “Distinct Category”
New or existing institutions can be started under the “Distinct Category” if they focus on teaching or research in unique disciplines, address strategic national needs, preserve Indian cultural heritage or the environment, or are dedicated to skill development, sports, languages, or other special fields. These categories are determined by an Expert Committee approved by the Chairman of the UGC.
institution of higher education
Categories of Deemed to be Universities
General Category
Distinct Category
[New institution]
Distinct Category [Existing Institution]
Application Procedure for Deemed to be University Status
Applications for setting up a new Deemed to be University can be submitted online through the official portal of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Eligibility
Existing institutions or clusters of institutions (either Government or self-financed), under the same or different sponsoring bodies, may apply for Deemed to be University status for establishing a main campus or main campus with constituent units.
Requirements for New Institutions under “Distinct Category”
Institutions applying under the Distinct Category must begin operations with a minimum of five academic programmes, which may include undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, research, or a combination of these.
They must also have the required physical and academic infrastructure, as per the norms of the relevant statutory bodies or the UGC.
What is the “Distinct Category”?
The “Distinct Category” refers to new or existing institutions that:
Focus on unique disciplines
Address strategic national needs
Preserve Indian cultural heritage or the environment
Are dedicated to skill development, sports, languages, or other specialized areas
Eligibility under this category is determined by an Expert Committee approved by the Chairman of the UGC.
Evaluation Process & Time Frame
Expert Committee Review
Upon receiving the application, the Commission refers it to an Expert Committee formed by the Chairman. The Committee may request the applicant to present their case and verify compliance with the regulations. A recommendation report is submitted to the Commission within 30 days.
Time Frame for Decision
- Within 60 days: Commission reviews the Expert Committee report and sends its advice to the Government.
- Within 30 days: Government may issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) valid for 3 years or reject the proposal with reasons.
Important Documents Required
(Online Submission)
- DPR (Detailed Project Report) including:
- Academic Plan
- Faculty Recruitment Plan
- Student Admission Plan
- Research Plan
- Infrastructure Development Plan
- Financial, Administrative & Governance Plans
- Details of Sponsoring Body, Objectives, and Key Academic/Administrative Personnel
- Land Ownership Documents
- Existing Academic and Physical Infrastructure Information
- Financial Stability Details including Corpus Fund information
- Undertaking letter to comply with UGC regulations
- Curriculum for 5 Programs under the Distinct Category
- Faculty Appointment Orders
- Infrastructure readiness for all 5 programs
- Corpus Fund of ₹25 Crores (or as per UGC guidelines), maintained in the institution’s name