UGC frames guidelines for transforming colleges, varsities into multidisciplinary institutions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has come up with draft guidelines to enable transformation of higher education institutions (HEIs) into multidisciplinary institutions.

The UGC has asked colleges and universities to take necessary initiatives in this regard.

As per the UGC, multidisciplinary education is known to build vibrant communities of scholars, peers and enable students to become well-rounded individuals. 

The higher education regulator said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 lays strong emphasis on transformation of Higher Education Institutions into large multidisciplinary universities, colleges and HEI clusters. 

“Considering the rigidity of disciplinary boundaries in Higher Education Institutions, the UGC has developed "Guidelines for Transforming Higher Education Institutions into Multidisciplinary Institutions. All universities and colleges are advised to take necessary initiatives as per the guidelines to evolve into multidisciplinary institutions,” the UGC said. 

As per sources, the UGC has constituted a Committee under the chairmanship of Prof. RP Tiwari in order to enable the transformation of HEIs into multidisciplinary institutions. The Committee has suggested multiple ways such as collaboration, merging and clustering between institutions to achieve the characteristics of a multidisciplinary institution. 

“I am happy to present the “Guidelines for Transforming Higher Educational Institutions in to Multidisciplinary Institutions” to the HEIs for consideration. Hope these guidelines help State Governments and Universities to frame appropriate rules/policies to transform HEIs into multidisciplinary institutions,” UGC chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar said. 

Objectives 

• Transform single-stream institutions into large multidisciplinary universities and autonomous degree-awarding HEIs.
• Strengthen institutional infrastructure necessary for multidisciplinary education and research.

Read complete guidelines for transforming HEIs into multidisciplinary institutions here