Behala College to Gain Autonomy Following Calcutta University’s Approval

Calcutta University has agreed to grant autonomous status to Behala College, in line with a recommendation from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The decision was taken during a meeting of the university’s syndicate, its highest governing body, held on Tuesday. A resolution was passed confirming that Behala College will be granted academic autonomy.

Earlier this month, the college informed CU registrar Debasish Das that it intended to manage its postgraduate admission process independently, citing UGC’s recommendation supporting autonomy.

Behala College, which receives financial support from the state, recently earned the top grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). This recognition was followed by a communication from the UGC advising that the college be allowed to function autonomously, thereby removing it from the administrative purview of Calcutta University and permitting independent academic governance.

On July 2, the UGC urged the university to issue an official notification regarding the college’s autonomous status within a 30-day timeframe. Behala College will now be expected to comply with all relevant UGC guidelines for autonomous institutions.

College principal Sharmila Mitra met with CU’s acting vice-chancellor, Santa Datta, on July 4, requesting that the university expedite the necessary steps to formalize the college’s new status.

Om Prakash Mishra, the state government's representative on the CU syndicate, stated, “The syndicate unanimously endorsed the UGC’s recommendation to grant Behala College autonomous status. An official announcement will be made shortly, marking the beginning of the college’s autonomous journey.”

Currently, postgraduate admissions at Calcutta University and its affiliated colleges, including Behala College, are overseen by CU. The admission process typically begins in August.

With autonomy granted, Behala College will manage its own postgraduate admissions starting this academic year. According to principal Mitra, the college also plans to take over undergraduate admissions from next year, once the current cycle — conducted through the state’s centralized portal, launched on June 18 — concludes.