UGC says standalone institutions can apply for IoE status

Existing standalone institutions which are not universities or deemed-to-be-varsities can apply for 'Institution of Eminence' (IoE) status to avail greater autonomy and get world class reputation.

"Such institutions can apply under Greenfield category," the UGC said in a clarification to the stakeholders days after they raised the question in their meeting with the UGC officials and HRD Ministry.

A panel of expert would decide their IoE status, it added. A college can apply for the IoE tag under the Greenfield category, it added.

Regarding who can apply for the IoE status under brownfield category, the commission said vice chancellors of the existing deemed-to-be-universities and private varsities can give their applications to join the race on behalf of the sponsoring organization.

It rejected demand by stakeholders to reduce the eligibility net worth Rs 3000 crore for the existing deemed-to-be varsities and private institutions as a pre-requisite to apply for IoE status.

The Centre wants to establish a total of 20 'Institutes of Eminence' as a distinct category of deemed-to-be-universities, allowing them to become "world Class" institutions in 10 years and compete for places in the top 100 best global universities.

Ten of the distinct category of deemed-to-be-varsities will be established by declaring best of the Government-run higher educational institutions as 'Institutes of Eminence' in public sector. The other ten would be established by approving applications from private sectors.

The varsities will be selected to be IoEs through a challenged mode.