Jalpaiguri, April 19 -- Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College has been granted autonomous status for the next five years by the University Grants Commission (UGC), enabling the institution to operate with enhanced academic and administrative independence.
Following the UGC's approval, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) formally conferred the status on Friday. Principal Dr. Amitabha Roy confirmed that the official communication was received on Thursday, sparking enthusiasm among students and faculty.
With autonomy, the college can design its own curriculum, introduce new courses, manage academic affairs and constitute an independent governing body. However, recruitment-related matters will remain outside its authority.
The institution offers programmes in Electronics Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering and Information Technology, with around 1,600 students enrolled.
Autonomy is granted based on accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which assesses institutions on infrastructure, teaching standards, academic outcomes and placements. The college has maintained this recognition since the 2012-13 academic session.
Although both its previous autonomy term and NAAC accreditation expired earlier this year, NAAC extended its validity until May, allowing the college to reapply.
The UGC has now renewed its autonomous status until March 31, 2031 and informed MAKAUT and the state government.
Welcoming the development, Principal Dr Roy stated that the institution will now be able to introduce certificate and diploma courses under its PhD programmes, frame its own syllabus in line with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and UGC guidelines and constitute a Board of Administrators comprising academicians and industry experts. He added that these measures are expected to further enhance the quality of education at the college.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.