MGU awarded UGC Category 1 Grade

KOTTAYAM

Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, (MGU) has become the first varsity in the State to be awarded Category 1 Grade by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

An official statement says the recognition grants the institution autonomy to implement various projects and establish institutions without prior approval from the UGC. The decision was made during a meeting by the UGC on March 13, which considered an application from the MGU. Across the country, only 21 State universities have been granted this status.

The university’s inclusion in the Category 1 Grade is based on its performance in the fourth cycle of re-accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), where it secured an A++ grade with a 3.61-grade point average. The varsity’s consistent presence in the Times Higher Education global rankings too has contributed to this recognition.

As per Clause 4 of the UGC’s 2018 regulations, this autonomy allows the MGU to independently design and implement innovative curricula and programmes, establish off-campus centres, study centres, academic departments, constituent colleges, and science parks. With the recognition, the varsity will also be able to offer distance education programmes without requiring prior UGC approval.