Srinagar, Jul 29: University of Kashmir has been granted the prestigious Category-I status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the UGC (Categorisation of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018, paving the way for greater academic, administrative and financial autonomy.
According to a communication issued by UGC Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath, the approval was granted during the Commission’s 598th meeting held on July 6, 2026. The recognition places the University among the country’s top-performing higher education institutions eligible for enhanced institutional autonomy.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan described the recognition as a significant milestone in the University’s academic journey, attributing the achievement to its sustained focus on quality education and institutional development. She expressed gratitude to Chancellor Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Pro-Chancellor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Higher Education Minister Sakina Itoo for their continued support in strengthening higher education in the Union Territory.
Prof. Khan also congratulated the University’s students, scholars, faculty and non-teaching staff, stating that the enhanced autonomy would be utilised to expand academic programmes, strengthen research and innovation, and promote national and international collaborations.
She said the Category-I status would enable the University to broaden its global academic engagement through collaborations with leading international institutions, appointment of foreign faculty, admission of international students, and introduction of new Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes in accordance with UGC regulations.
Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal termed the recognition a landmark achievement, saying the enhanced autonomy would enable the University to respond more effectively to emerging academic and research priorities while further strengthening institutional governance.
