Salesian College gets autonomous status by UGC

EOI, DARJEELING, DECEMBER 18, 2023 :  The Siliguri- and Sonada-based Salesian College has been accorded an autonomous status by the University Grants Commission. With the new status, the college will now be able to prepare its own course, syllabus, routine and conduct examination and also assess papers without prior permission. 

“Our achievement is based on rigorous evaluation and approval by the UGC. Now our units in Sonada and Siliguri will have the autonomy to design and implement our own academic programmes, assessments, and examination systems. This status provides the college with greater flexibility to tailor its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of students and industry demands, fostering a dynamic and responsive learning environment,” said the Salesian College, Sonada, Principal, Fr. Babu Joseph on Monday. 

“The college will now have the autonomy to introduce new courses, update existing ones, and collaborate with industry leaders to ensure students receive a comprehensive and relevant education. The college through this status has the freedom to follow its own examination system and to publish results on time. The students will be assessed following the international assessment standard consisting of formative and summative assessments. This will lead to better performance of students,” he said. According to the institution's principal the Salesian College is one of the oldest colleges under the University of North Bengal. 

The college has been recognised for outstanding quality in education by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) by granting 'A' grade in its third cycle of accreditation. "One of factors that helped us get autonomous status was the NAAC accreditation. We are also proud that our college has been certified as the college with potential excellence for two years," said Babu Joseph. 

“The autonomous status has made Salesian College an institution with a difference. It has been granted the right to start innovative programs which will have a high rate of job placement. Now onwards, the students of Salesian College will not only acquire a degree but also secure a job as they graduate,” he said. 

With the ‘autonomous tag,’ the college now plans to complete its Siliguri campus within the 2023-24 academic session to that courses like MBA, MCA and Hotel Management can be started. 

“We want to make such an infrastructure in Siliguri so that we are able to provide admission to about 5,000 students. In our Sonada campus also many constructions and new facilities will be provided. In our institutions we want to give personal attention to every student so that we can focus on problems and encourage them in their studies,” Babu Joseph said.