At a Glance

Private degree-granting institutions can also be established by obtaining "deemed-to-be-university" status. As defined by the Ministry of Higher Education, an Institution of Higher Education (excluding universities) demonstrating exceptional standards in a specific field of study may be declared "deemed-to-be-university" by the Central Government, based on the UGC's recommendation (MHRD 2014). These institutions enjoy the academic standing and privileges of a university and can operate under either private or government management.

Two distinct pathways exist for institutions seeking "deemed-to-be-university" status. The general route is for established institutions with at least 15 years of operation and a strong research track record. Alternatively, institutions can apply under the de novo category.

Narrative

The "Deemed-to-be-University" status in India was initially established to empower leading institutions offering advanced programs to award their own degrees. In 1958, the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Delhi) were the first to receive this designation, recognizing their advanced education and research in basic sciences and agriculture, respectively.

Originally, this status was exclusive to government and government-aided institutions. However, in 1976, Manipal Academy for Higher Education (MAHE) became the first privately managed and self-financed institution to achieve this recognition (Agarwal, 2009).

A significant shift occurred in 2000 when the University Grants Commission (UGC) streamlined and relaxed the guidelines for granting "Deemed-to-be-University" status. This aimed to encourage private sector involvement in higher education. This revision also introduced the concept of granting this status to de-novo institutions. This meant that institutions demonstrating potential for excellence, even if they didn't fully meet the existing criteria, could be considered. For example, The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) received deemed status under the de-novo category, while Symbiosis International University was recognized under the general category.

Between 2000 and 2005, 26 privately sponsored institutions were granted deemed status, with further additions up to 2009. Currently, India has 117 "Deemed-to-be-Universities." These institutions are concentrated in a limited number of regions, with only 17 states and two union territories hosting them. Tamil Nadu has the highest concentration, followed closely by Maharashtra. Several states, including Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, have no deemed universities.

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