Deemed to be university status – UGC NET Question

A deemed to be university is an institution that has demonstrated high standards in a specific area of study and has been granted university status by the central government under the UGC Act. Such institutions enjoy many of the academic powers of universities, including designing courses and awarding degrees. The stem describes recognition by the central government on UGC’s recommendation and granting of university status, which is exactly the process for being declared deemed to be a university. Therefore, Option D is correct.

Option A:
A central university is established by an Act of Parliament and is fully a university from its inception, not an ordinary institution later recognised for excellence. The stem refers to an existing institution that is conferred university status, which is different from the creation of a central university.

Option B:
A state university is set up through a state legislative Act and is not necessarily based on prior recognition of excellence of an existing institution. Thus, this option does not match the process described in the question.

Option C:
An open university focuses on distance and open learning and is defined by its mode of delivery rather than the route by which it gains university status. The stem does not centre on distance mode but on special recognition, so this option is not appropriate.

Option D:
A deemed to be university is given flexibility and autonomy because of its demonstrated quality, although it remains under certain regulatory oversight. This aligns precisely with the description in the stem, confirming Option D as the correct choice.