Berhampur: The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) University at Berhampur in Odisha’s Ganjam district has received University Grants Commission (UGC) recognition.
In a letter to NIST University, the UGC stated that its name has been included in the UGC-2/F list by the UGC on December 19, 2024.
NIST, which was running as autonomous college, was granted university status in 2024 by the state government through the NIST University Act. Thereafter, the name of NIST University was included in the list of recognised universities (2F) of UGC.
This has been confirmed by the letter sent from Amol M Andhare, Deputy Secretary, UGC and RIS Bhardwaj, secretary to NIST University’s Registrar (In-charge) Bishnukar Nayak.
As per the provisions of UGC rules, the university can exercise its full autonomy by following the applicable rules, regulations and guidelines.
NAAC had earlier graded NIST Autonomous College with A-grade. Following the inclusion in 2F, now the path has been cleared to apply for NAAC re-accreditation in the university category, said Vice Chancellor Priyadaran Patra. Similarly, necessary AICTE approval has also been obtained for all the courses of the university, said Dean Rajesh Kumar Panakala.
The UGC recognition has brought cheers among the students of the NIST University. More than 20,000 students from across India and nearby countries have graduated from the institute, which was established in 1996, sources said.
After being declared a university, several global innovation centres (GICs) are being set up in NIST to retain its unique position in the field of education and research. These centres, set up with partnerships with leading research institutions and companies across the world, will employ dedicated teams of researchers.
PG and PhD candidates can undertake research under their guidance and develop critical technology necessary for the nation. Through this, NIST will reinforce itself as a research-oriented university, said founder president of NIST Sukant Kishore Mohapatra.
