SRINAGAR: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted autonomous status to SSM College of Engineering, located in Divar, District Baramulla, Kashmir. The decision, made during a UGC meeting on January 28, 2025, follows the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Autonomous Colleges.
The conferment of autonomous status, as detailed in a letter issued by Dr R Manoj Kumar, Joint Secretary of the UGC, is effective for five years, starting from the academic year 2025-2026 and extending to 2029-2030. This decision aligns with Clause 7.4 of the UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status Upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023.
The University of Kashmir, to which SSM College of Engineering is affiliated, has been requested to issue the necessary notification within 30 days to formalize the autonomous status. As an autonomous institution, SSM College of Engineering must adhere to all provisions outlined in the UGC Regulations for Autonomous Colleges, 2023, which are accessible on the UGC website.
The UGC has stated that non-compliance with the prescribed requirements and conditions will result in action as per Clause 13 of the UGC Regulations, 2023. Furthermore, the college is required to apply to the UGC for an extension of its autonomous status at least three months before the completion of the initial five-year period.
