Status loss could force varsities to give up 50% of their seats CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

Status loss could force varsities to give up 50% of their seats CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 08.01.2025

Ahmedabad : Seven private universities in the state, designated as Centers of Excellence three years ago, face uncertainty over retaining their elite status as they approach mandatory revaluation. The status, which was awarded to Nirma University, Cept University, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Ahmedabad University, Dhirubhai Ambani University, Charusat and Marwadi University, currently allows them to independently manage 66% of their admissions, while the state admission committee takes care of the remaining 33%. 

However, sources in the state higher education department said that several of these institutions may lose their special status due to reported rule violations and administrative lapses reported over the past three years. The sources suggest that universities would need to undertake extensive corrective measures to maintain their Center of Excellence designation. If these institutions fail to secure status renewal, their admission quota would be revised to a 50-50 split between institutional and committee-managed seats, up from the current 33% under the committee's control. Meanwhile, the admission committee has begun preparations for the next academic year, stating that they will handle 33% of seats, including seats for MBA programs, at these institutions. However, this arrangement depends on the outcome of the re-evaluation.

The uncertainty poses challenges for admission planning, as the committee must be prepared to manage either 33% or 50% of seats depending on each institution's renewed status after the reevaluation. According to the guidelines, the Center of Excellence status requires fresh evaluation every three years