Cluster University
Cluster University:
It can be formed by merging a maximum of five colleges within a district, with a prerequisite that at least one of them must be a government college.
The Maharashtra Department of Higher and Technical Education has issued guidelines for the establishment of cluster universities, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The initiative involves merging up to five existing traditional and vocational colleges, excluding those focused on agriculture and health science, to create multidisciplinary universities.
To qualify for cluster formation, universities must adhere to certain criteria, including having a flagship college, disabled-friendly infrastructure, and two research centres. The Maharashtra cabinet approved these guidelines on November 17 2023, following the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) recommendations for transforming higher education institutions into multidisciplinary entities.
The department specifies that a cluster university can be constituted with a minimum of two colleges and a maximum of five colleges within a district, with at least one being a government-aided institution. The government may also consider creating cluster universities with more than five colleges based on feasibility, with a special committee reviewing applications.
Key requirements include the presence of a flagship college, in operation for at least 20 years and academically high-performing, acting as the coordinator for the other colleges. The combined student strength of all participating colleges must be a minimum of 4,000. The guidelines stress the need for physical proximity among the participating colleges and emphasize the flagship college’s autonomous status or a minimum 3.5 rating from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). All participating colleges must have a valid NAAC rating.
Additionally, the cluster university must establish at least two research centres meeting UGC norms, and constituent colleges should be capable of generating resources beyond public funding. Colleges interested in cluster status can submit applications, including detailed project reports, for government review, which may include physical inspections before granting the status. Stay updated on the latest education news, including colleges, universities, admissions, courses, exams, research, policies, and study abroad opportunities.
Noble ERP for Cluster University
The Noble ERP framework is structured to facilitate the seamless sharing of programs among hub or affiliated colleges if the flagship college is utilizing Noble ERP. All selected subjects, syllabi, schedules, and examinations are synchronized with the primary college through Noble Education ERP.