UGC Order: Popular Deemed Universities to Drop ‘University’ Tag, Switch to New Name

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed 127 deemed universities to drop 'University' tag from their names. These institutes must adhere to the order of UGC to avoid losing affiliation or approval. Private universities, which have been granted deemed university status by UGC can use the term 'Deemed-to-be-Unversity'.

List of Private Universities, which have been directed to remove 'University' tag -

Does this Decision Affect Students Enrolled in Deemed Universities?

The latest decision of UGC on the removal of 'University' tag is not going to affect the students who pursuing various courses in these institutes. These institutes are still eligible to award degrees, conduct their own exams, declare results, revision of syllabus, designing of curriculum, introducing new courses etc. The degree awarded to students will have the name of the institute and 'Deemed-to-be-University' term under the name. For example, if students are graduating from 'Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Research', the degree will have the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Deemed-to-be-University).

How Does This Decision Affect Students Aspiring to Get Admission in Deemed Universities?

Deemed Universities have always been popular among parents and students, and there is a lot of competition for admission. When UGC ordered some of the private universities to drop 'University' tag, it did not affect the competition for admissions. Therefore, there will be no impact on the number of students taking admission in these universities.

UGC's 2017 Order on 'University' Tag for Private Universities

After UGC cautioned 29 deemed institutes across the country to drop the ‘university’ tag by November 30, 2017, reputed deemed-to-be institutes across the country have given the acceptance in this regard. The following are some of the popular deemed institutes that have dropped the ‘university’ tag: -

• Christ University
• PEC University of Technology
• Symbiosis International University
• Indian Veterinary Research Institute
• Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya
• Graphic Era University
• Jamia Hamdard
• Manipal University
• Parva Institute of Medical Sciences
• Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth
• Bharatiya Vidyapeeth

An official associated with Symbiosis International revealed that they had sent acceptance to UGC regarding dropping ‘university’ tag. The institute has no other option except to change its name as Symbiosis International (Deemed University). If the varsity would have shown reluctance to drop the ‘university’ tag, UGC would have cancelled the deemed status to the institute, he added.

Also Read: - UGC Cautions Deemed Institutes India to Drop ‘University’ Name to Avoid Losing ‘Deemed’ Status

Before sending the acceptance letter to drop ‘university’ tag, Symbiosis International sought clarification from UGC on many issues including: -

• Symbiosis International has much collaboration with foreign institutes. With the drop of ‘university’ tag, what would happen to those institutes, as they were signed with Symbiosis International University?
• Many international students come to Symbiosis International to pursue higher studies here. With the drop of ‘university’ tag, which degree will they get?

Also Read: - UGC Asks 123 Varsities to Drop 'University' from Their Names

The official of Symbiosis International further mentioned that they received the letter from UGC on November 29, 2017, to drop ‘university’ tag. The University Grants Commission did not respond to the queries posed by the institute.