Joins select group of top-ranked Indian institutions under Graded Autonomy
In a major boost to its academic standing, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, located in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan district, has been granted Category-1 status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Graded Autonomy Regulations, 2018. This recognition places Shoolini among the most autonomous and high-performing institutions in India.
The decision was taken during the 591st Commission Meeting of the UGC, following a detailed proposal submitted by the university. Shoolini achieved this top-tier classification by fulfilling all prescribed criteria, including securing a place among the top 500 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
With this status, Shoolini University joins an elite group of Indian higher education institutions now eligible for significant academic and administrative freedom. This includes starting new courses and departments, launching off-campus centres, and establishing international collaborations — all without needing prior UGC approval.
Founder-Chancellor Prof PK Khosla expressed pride at the achievement, especially as it came on the university’s first-ever application under the Ministry of Education. Calling it a significant milestone, he noted that the new status offers greater freedom in research and access to enhanced grants.
“With this momentum, I envision Shoolini evolving into an institution on par with Oxford in the coming decade. Our leadership comprises academicians and researchers committed to excellence,” he noted.
He added that the focus will now shift to expanding the university’s global research presence and increasing citations. “I firmly believe that Shoolini will be among the top 50 global universities within the next 10 years,” he stated.
As per UGC norms, Category-1 institutions must inform the Commission within 30 days if there is any drop in ranking or accreditation. If an institution fails to maintain the required standards, it may be shifted to a lower category and lose the associated privileges. However, any initiatives undertaken during the Category-1 status will be allowed to continue.
The university has been asked to notify the UGC about the specific benefits it plans to implement under the new status from the upcoming academic session. It must also submit a written acknowledgement committing to full compliance with the provisions of the Graded Autonomy Regulations.
In addition, Shoolini University is now eligible to offer programmes in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode, provided it meets regulatory requirements. To access this provision, the university must submit programme details, supporting documents, and a formal affidavit via the UGC-DEB portal.
The recognition marks a major milestone for Shoolini and signals growing momentum among India’s top-performing private universities aiming for global standards.
July 15, 2025