TGCHE welcomes UGC rule mandating NOC for deemed universities

The Telangana Council of Higher Education has welcomed the UGC’s decision to require a State government NOC for deemed universities and off-campus centres, stating the move will improve regulation, transparency and coordination between Central and State authorities

Hyderabad: The Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) on Friday welcomed the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) decision to mandate higher educational institutions seeking Deemed-to-be University status or off-campus centres to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the State government.

TGCHE Chairman Prof V Balakista Reddy said the Council, along with the State government, has consistently raised concerns with the UGC regarding regulatory gaps in the functioning and expansion of Deemed-to-be Universities within the State.

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“These concerns primarily relate to the establishment of institutions without adequate consultation with the State government, unregulated expansion of programmes and intake, and deviations from prescribed norms concerning admissions, reservations and student safeguards,” Prof Reddy said.

The UGC, which recently notified the UGC Institutions Deemed to be Universities Amendment Regulations, 2026, recognised the role of the State government and constitutional authorities in the appointment of key functionaries such as the Chancellor and participation in the Search-cum-Selection Committees for Vice-Chancellors in institutions receiving substantial government funding.

Further, the UGC introduced provisions such as issuance of a Letter of Intent (LoI) with defined timelines instead of direct declaration, enhancing procedural transparency and ensuring that institutions meet all prescribed criteria before commencement.

“These amendments are in alignment with the spirit of the Constitution, wherein education is a subject under the Concurrent List, necessitating active coordination between the Central and State governments,” he added.