UGC grants autonomous status to Gauhati Commerce College for five years

Guwahati, April 11: Gauhati Commerce College has been granted autonomous status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for a period of five years, from the academic session 2026–27 to 2030–31.

Announcing the development on Saturday, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu congratulated the college, stating that the recognition reflects its sustained commitment to academic excellence, innovation and quality education.

“Heartiest congratulations to Gauhati Commerce College on being granted autonomous status by the University Grants Commission for a period of five years. This recognition is a testament to the institution’s consistent pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and quality education,” Pegu said in a social media post.

Welcoming the development, Principal Professor Bipul Das said the status would open new avenues for academic and institutional growth.

“In the coming five years, we believe that Gauhati Commerce College will further progress in both social and academic arenas so that our students can contribute meaningfully to society as well as the nation,” Das said.

Highlighting existing challenges, he pointed to the issue of staff shortage in colleges across Assam while acknowledging government support.

“We are grateful to the Assam government for its support in administrative matters and faculty positions. However, we would urge the Chief Minister, through the Education Minister, to assist us in strengthening infrastructure, as student numbers are steadily increasing,” he added.

Das also underlined the college’s recent academic achievements, noting that students from the institution secured nine out of the top ten ranks under Gauhati University last year across programmes such as BBA and MCom.

Established on September 10, 1962, Gauhati Commerce College is one of Assam’s premier institutions for business education, offering courses at higher secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

From an initial enrolment of around 300 students, the college has grown significantly over the decades and now caters to more than 3,000 students.

The grant of autonomous status by the UGC allows colleges greater academic and administrative flexibility, enabling them to design their own curricula, introduce innovative courses, and adopt evaluation systems suited to evolving educational needs, while remaining affiliated to a parent university.

The move is expected to further strengthen the college’s academic profile and enhance opportunities for students in the years ahead.