Section 10.5

Policies, Governance, and Administration

❦

The administration of Higher Education in India is highly centralized and regulated through statutory bodies established by Acts of Parliament. Understanding the hierarchy of these bodies and the different types of universities is the final, crucial step in your UGC NET preparation.

Apex Regulatory Bodies

  • University Grants Commission (UGC): Established formally as a statutory body in 1956 (under the UGC Act). It is the only grant-giving agency in the country with two primary responsibilities: providing funds and coordinating, determining, and maintaining standards in institutions of higher education.
  • All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): The statutory body for the planning and coordinated development of the technical education and management education system in India.
  • National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC): An autonomous body established by the UGC in 1994 to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country (grading them from A++ to C).

Types of Universities in India

Classification of Universities
Type Establishment Authority Characteristics & Funding
Central University Act of Parliament Funded directly by the Union Government (through the Ministry of Education). The President of India acts as the "Visitor".
State University Act of the State Legislature Funded primarily by the respective State Government. The Governor of the state acts as the Chancellor.
Deemed-to-be University Declared by the Central Govt. on the advice of UGC High-performing institutions granted the autonomous status of a university. They enjoy full autonomy in courses, syllabus, and admissions (e.g., IISc Bangalore).
Private University Act of a State Legislature Established through a state act by a sponsoring body (trust or society). They can grant degrees but cannot affiliate other colleges.

💡 Examiner's Note

Crucial Fact: Private universities can grant their own degrees, but they are NOT permitted to affiliate external colleges (unlike State universities).