Deemed institutes across the country might lose ‘deemed to be status’ if they fail to drop ‘university’ word from their names. UGC will take stringent action against deemed institutes if they fail to drop the ‘university’ name. UGC has listed out 127 deemed/ private universities, and these varieties must replace the word 'University' with Deemed-to-be-University. UGC further indicated that the private universities must follow the order of Supreme Court in this regard and refrain from using the word 'University' in their names.
UGC issued a similar order in 2017, and some of the universities even removed the word 'University'. However, UGC observed that some private universities are still not following the UGC's 2017 order. Therefore, a fresh order has been issued again intimating 127 deemed-to-be-universities.
UGC's Press Note on University Tag for Deemed Universities
UGC's Order in 2017 to Deemed Universities
The government of India used the word ‘university’ while granting deemed status (based on UGC’s recommendation) to these universities.
In another order, UGC directed the deemed institutes to drop the name ‘university’ and revert to the names notified by the government. The order has been issued to some of the popular deemed institutes including: -
- KLE University, Belagavi
- Teri University, New Delhi
- Manipal University
Apart from these institutes, the notice has been issued to 19 other deemed-to-be institutes to revert the names notified by the government at the time of granting deemed-to-be status. For example, KLE University should revert back to its name notified by the government, ‘KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research’. Similarly, Manipal University should change its name as ‘Manipal Academy of Higher Education’.
Out of 123 institutes, which have been directed by UGC to drop the name ‘university ’ , 29 institutes did not respond. According to sources, TERI University is ready to change its name as ‘Teri School of Advanced Studies’. Manipal University is all set for the name change, said by an official associated with the institute.