GUWAHATI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a series of directives to Sibsagar University, located in Sivasagar, Assam, following its recognition. The UGC conveyed to the university about its recognition in a letter on Tuesday, November 12.
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The university was established as a State (Public) University by the Government of Assam. The university, which was officially notified under Assam Act No. LVI of 2023 on December 1, 2023, will now be able to award degrees following the UGC Act, 1956.
As per the guidelines, Sibsagar University is authorised to conduct academic courses through its own departments, constituent colleges, and affiliated colleges, but only in the regular mode. For professional, technical, or medical programmes, the university must obtain prior approval from the relevant regulatory bodies, including the respective councils and commissions.
The UGC emphasised that the university must adhere strictly to the specified degrees and nomenclature as outlined in the UGC’s 2014 notification, which includes standardised degree titles and programme durations. The university is required to operate within the territorial limits defined by its Act, with no expansion allowed beyond the state of Assam.
Additionally, the UGC has placed a ban on the establishment of off-campus centres or distance education programmes without prior approval, as well as any franchising of higher education services. In case any such activities are already underway, they must cease immediately.
Other key instructions include the appointment of an Ombudsperson to address student grievances, compliance with UGC regulations on Ph.D. degrees, and the registration of student data with the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and the National Academic Depository (NAD) portals. Furthermore, the university is required to seek accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and disclose relevant information publicly as per UGC guidelines.
The UGC also urged the university to follow all applicable regulations and to ensure full compliance with national educational standards.
