Syed Md A Razi, commissioner and secretary in-charge of education in Meghalaya, announced on Thursday (May 30), that an application has been submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the recognition of Captain Williamson Sangma State University.

Following directives from Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma to expedite the university’s full functionality, the education department has applied for the UGC’s 2(f) notification.

This notification would officially list the university under UGC-recognized institutions, allowing it to issue degrees.

“I am pleased to inform that the application has been submitted, and the Chief Minister is personally following up with the appropriate authorities, including the UGC and the Union Education Minister. We are hopeful to receive the 2(f) notification soon,” Razi informed.

Once the notification is received, the university will begin the affiliation process for colleges currently affiliated with North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

These colleges can then shift their affiliation to the state university.

Concurrently, steps are being taken to appoint a vice chancellor and necessary faculty to ensure the university’s full functionality.

Razi explained that government and government-aided colleges will have to affiliate with the state university once it is operational.

However, private colleges will have the option to choose whether to affiliate, as the government cannot mandate their decision.

During a recent meeting, the Meghalaya chief minister outlined a two-pronged strategy to address admission challenges.

First, seeking an exemption from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for this year. Second, expediting the functionality of Captain Williamson Sangma State University to avoid recurring issues.

Based on the Meghalaya chief minister’s request, the UGC has approved the proposal to exempt colleges in Meghalaya from CUET for the current year.

Therefore, admissions for colleges affiliated with NEHU will proceed as usual.

Razi noted that many students faced issues with the recent CUET-UG, either not registering or failing to take the test.

Meghalaya raised concerns about the mismanagement of CUET exams, particularly at the NEHU centre, and is awaiting a response from the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Regarding future admissions, Razi clarified that CUET remains mandatory for students seeking admission to central universities, state universities, and private universities outside Meghalaya.

However, once the state university becomes fully functional next year, CUET scores will not be required for colleges affiliated with the Captain Williamson Sangma State University.

“We are optimistic that our state university will be operational by next year, eliminating the need for CUET exemptions as state university-affiliated colleges will no longer require CUET scores,” Razi stated.

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