What is a Deemed University? Careers360 decodes...

This year, the Ministry of Human Resource Development ordered a freeze on Deemed University (DU) grant approvals. A committee is in place to review previously granted approvals. In this light, Careers360 advises students to be alert when selecting courses offered by a DU.

University vs Deemed University: The UGC has withdrawn its notification permitting ''Deemed Universities'' to refer to themselves as ''universities''. This means that unlike a university, which has full liberty to launch new courses, a DU has to seek a UGC sanction before adding new courses, departments or centres. In other words, a DU status is conditional, and is a recognition.

The DU status is usually granted to an institution that is doing a high standard of work in a specialised field, comparable to that in a university system. As an idea, the status is offered to institutions, doing pioneering work in select fields of education. It is normally accorded for a period of five years, and a review can be ordered any time.

Only select departments are approved: DU status is granted to only select departments or campuses of a particular institution. Before taking admission, visit the UGC website and check whether the campus or department is approved by the UGC.

A DU cannot affiliate itself to any college or institution: It could have multiple campuses, provided these campuses are owned by the same trust or organisation that owns the DU and are previously approved by UGC. 

All regulatory approvals are still essential: Unlike a university, which does not need the approval of regulatory bodies like AICTE, a DU  need not seek approval, but is subject to verification by  bodies like AICTE. So, if it is a professional programme, see if the approvals are in place.

Joint Degrees: Many DUs offer attractive joint programmes in association with both domestic and foreign institutions. These programmes are valid and recognised in India, only if they have prior approval from the UGC.

Fees refund: Since DUs are approved by the Government of India, the ruling regarding refund of fees apply to them as well. After scrutiny, a DU cannot retain your original marksheets, caste certificate, degree certificates and transfer/ migration certificate. In case you decide to withdraw your candidature, the institute has to refund the entire fee after deducting a sum of not more than Rs. 1,000, as administrative charges.

Distance education: All DUs are technically eligible to offer programmes through distance education mode, too. But they can only do so after obtaining the approval of the DEC-UGC-AICTE joint committee. So, please look for the approval letter before you opt for one.