Features of Autonomous Institutions

Highlighting the importance of Autonomous Institutions, the UGC document on the XI Plan profile of higher education in India clearly states that: “The only safe and better way to improve the quality of undergraduate education is to the link most of the Institutions from the affiliating structure. Institutions with academic and operative freedom are doing better and have more credibility. The financial support to such Institutions boosts the concept of autonomy.”

NEED FOR AUTONOMY

Institutions that have the potential for offering programmes of a higher standard do not have the freedom to offer them. The 1964- 66 Education Commission pointed out that the exercise of academic freedom by teachers is a crucial requirement for development of the intellectual climate of our country. Unless such a climate prevails, it is difficult to achieve excellence in our higher education system. With students, teachers and management being co-partners in raising the quality of higher education, it is imperative that they share a major responsibility. Hence, the Education Commission ( 1964-66) r e c o m m e n d e d autonomy, which, in essence, is the instrument for promoting academic excellence.

OBJECTIVES

The National Policy on Education (1986-92) formulated the following objectives for autonomous institution. An autonomous institution will have the freedom to:

Determine and prescribe its own courses of study and syllabi, and restructure and redesign the courses to suit local needs; and
Prescribe rules for admission in consonance with the reservation policy of the state government;
o Evolve methods of assessment of students performance, the conduct of examinations and notification of results;
Use modern tools of educational technology to achieve higher standards and greater creativity; and
Promote h ea l t h y practices su c h a s c o m m u n i t y ser vi ce , e x t e n s i o n activities, projects for the benefit of the society at large, neighbourhood programmes, etc.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF AN AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION

Students’ performance is examined internally and externally. Continuous assessment and range of assessment options. To ensure fairness and justice to students, various alternatives are adopted in the examination system.

ROLE OF OFFICE OF CONTROLLER OF EXAMINATIONS

The Exam Committee is responsible for the smooth conduct of the Semester examinations, submission of assignments, and additional examinations. All matters involving the conduct of Examinations, spot valuations, tabulations, preparation of Grade Cards etc. fall within the duties of the Office of the Controller of Examinations.

DECLARATION OF RESULTS

The grades that are tabulated by the Controller of Examination is reviewed by the Moderation Committee. Any deviation and discrepancies are deliberated and removed. The entire result is discussed in the Academic Evaluation Committee (AEC) for its approval. The result is declared in the website.

STATUTORY COMMITTEES NON-STATUTORY COMMITTEES

1. Board of Governors (BOG)
2. Academic Council
3. Finance Committee
4. Board of Studies
5. Controller of Examinations

1. Departmental Academic Committee
2. Grievance Redressed Committee
3. Research and Development Committee
4. Administrative Quality Circle
5. Planning & Evaluation Committee
6. Academic Audit Committee

ELIGIBILITY OF AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS TO OFFER SHORT TERM COURSES

The autonomous institution can offer special need based short term courses under the departments of the institution for the benefit of the students and outsiders can also enrol for them.

CHECKING THE STANDARD OF AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS

There has to be a built in mechanism in the autonomous institution working for this purpose. An Internal Committee called Academic Evaluation Committee (AEC) is a NonStatutory body, will keep a watch on the academics and keep its reports and recommendations every year.

BENEFIT TO THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTIONS

An autonomous institution carries a prestigious image for the students and the teachers. Autonomy reflects efforts for excellence in academic performances, capability of self- governance and enhancement in the quality of education.