MUMBAI: The number of autonomous colleges in Maharashtra has more than tripled over the past five years, rising from 100 in 2020 to 314 in 2025. Mumbai University accounts for the highest number in the state with 130 autonomous colleges, followed by Savitribai Phule Pune University with 74. Of the 314 colleges, 150 are arts, science and commerce colleges and others which come under the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE).Following the easing of norms by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2023, a growing number of colleges have been seeking academic autonomy to revise syllabi, introduce new courses and conduct their own examinations. In 2023, the minimum ‘A’ grade requirement in NAAC was removed, allowing all accredited colleges to apply for autonomy. As per the revised UGC regulations, a college with 10 years of existence and accreditation from NAAC or the National Board of Accreditation (for three programmes) is eligible to apply. Earlier, the 2018 UGC notification mandated an ‘A’ grade in NAAC as a prerequisite. Educationists say the change has enabled several institutions, including those with lower NAAC grades, to seek autonomous status.“Autonomy, in the past, was considered as a revolutionary change and a boon to students who could select courses as per their choice. Autonomous colleges were able to introduce innovative, relevant and tailor-made courses to suit different segments of students. The norms for eligibility were stricter,” said academic and former dean of commerce, Mumbai University, Madhu Nair. With rising numbers, concerns have also been raised about possible dilution of academic standards and fee increases.Colleges affiliated with Mumbai University have seen the steepest rise. The number of autonomous institutions under the university increased more than threefold—from 39 in 2020 to 130 in 2025—according to data compiled by the Department of Higher and Technical Education from the UGC portal. This has contributed significantly to the overall growth of autonomous colleges in the state.In Mumbai, St Xavier’s College became the first institution to receive autonomous status in 2010 and, for some time, remained the only one. Leveraging this status, it introduced interdisciplinary learning by allowing students to choose a subject from another discipline in their second year. This model has since gained wider acceptance under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and remains central to its framework.Father Frazer Mascarenhas, former principal of St Xavier’s College during whose tenure the institution became autonomous, supports the concept. He said, “I think all colleges should opt for autonomy, because it is a means to achieve quality if honestly pursued. Monitoring and accountability are a part of the autonomy structure. As for fees, for aided autonomous colleges, major increase in fees is not possible, since grants are being received.“Nair, however, cautioned, “Relaxing the norms for granting autonomy and the absence of a continuous and meticulous check and balance system has resulted in a possibility of colleges surpassing the university norms and profiteering. Some have even diluted the standard of passing and examination norms to suit their convenience.”He further said, “Mumbai University, though overburdened with eight lakh students has always been able to command respect both in India and abroad. If autonomous colleges deviate from the university regulations like eligibility of admission, promotion to next year/ ATKT rules, dilute evaluation standards etc may result into creating graduates and post graduates who are not up to the mark. In that situation, the degrees given in the name of the university, and therefore, its reputation, may be at stake.” The only solution is a careful selection of deserving institutions for grant of autonomy followed by continuous monitoring of autonomous colleges to prevent misuse of autonomy, he said.Educationist and former vice-chancellor of North Maharashtra University, RS Mali, though, that quality of education has dropped across colleges, irrespective of autonomy. “It has become difficult to get students in classrooms. There is no seriousness. I have not noticed a drastic change in examination results of colleges even two years after autonomy. As for fees, students will not go to colleges if they fail to provide quality education in the long run. Colleges know that they will not get students if the fees are on the higher side,” said Mali, adding that the responsibility lies with all stakeholders to maintain standards.NEP 2020 recommends phasing out the affiliation system and encouraging autonomous and stand-alone degree-awarding institutions. Under the policy, top colleges under Mumbai University are gradually moving towards empowered autonomy, which enables them to award joint degrees with the affiliating university, distinguishing them from regular autonomous institutions.
