The move has been formalised through a Gazette notification issued on April 21.

The amendment also permits colleges to function as off-campus centres of another deemed university or university.

It has been issued under the University Grants Commission (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Amendment Regulations, 2026.

According to the notification, "Universities established under clause (f) of section 2 of the Act or a constituent unit of a University may also apply to become an institution deemed to be a University or an off-campus of another institution deemed to be a University," provided a no-objection certificate is submitted by the state government.

It further states that state governments must agree to de-notify such institutions. They "shall be permitted to admit students or work as an off-campus or a new institution deemed to be a university only after formal de-notification by the concerned State Government."

The amendments modify the UGC's 2023 regulations.

Under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, institutions of higher education can be declared deemed universities, granting them university status and academic autonomy. At present, there are 146 deemed-to-be universities in India.

Accreditation norms revised

The amendment also changes accreditation requirements.

The earlier condition mandating NAAC accreditation with a 3.01 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for three consecutive cycles has been removed.

Instead, institutions must now have accreditation "for three cycles, including the latest cycle," or an equivalent National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grade.

The notification states: "In sub-regulation ... for the words 'for three consecutive cycles', the words 'or equivalent National Assessment and Accreditation Council grade, for three cycles, including the latest cycle' shall be substituted."

Funding and compliance conditions

The amendment also covers deemed universities receiving 50 per cent or more funding from central or state governments.

Such institutions may continue with their existing Memorandum of Association (MoA) for a specified period, subject to conditions.

They must show "through its duly audited books of accounts that it is able to generate a minimum of fifty per cent of its revenue on its own, that is, total receipts."

It further specifies that "total expenses of the institute are more than twice the government grants given to them," along with fulfilment of other conditions within a defined period as permitted by the central government.