A clear contradiction has emerged between the Government of India’s regulatory stand on the Deemed-to-be University status of island colleges and the latest statement issued by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration continuing affiliation with Pondicherry University for 2025-26.
What the Centre Directed
In March 2024, the Ministry of Education declared NSCBIHL a Deemed-to-be University under the UGC Act. The declaration brought seven colleges under its ambit:
Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM)
Tagore Government B.Ed College
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT)
Mahatma Gandhi Government College
Andaman & Nicobar College
ANIIMS
Andaman Law College
Until then, these colleges functioned under Pondicherry University.
Following the notification, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education issued formal clarifications in 2025 stating that once colleges become part of a Deemed-to-be University, they cannot continue affiliation with their previous university. The UGC Regulations, 2023 do not permit dual affiliation.
The Ministry also clarified that from the Academic Year 2024-25 onwards, new admissions should take place under NSCBIHL. Continuing affiliation with Pondicherry University, it stated, does not align with UGC Regulations.
In effect, the Centre directed a complete transition.
The Batch-Wise Understanding
The Centre’s clarification implied a phased academic transition:
Students admitted before the Deemed University implementation would continue under Pondicherry University.
Students admitted in Academic Year 2025–26 and beyond would fall under NSCBIHL and receive degrees from the Deemed-to-be University.
This interpretation allowed protection of ongoing batches while ensuring future admissions moved under the new university structure.
What the UT Administration Announced
However, in a press release dated February 12, 2026, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration stated that it had agreed with the demands of protesting students and would continue affiliation with Pondicherry University for six colleges for Academic Year 2025-26.
The Administration announced:
No change in the existing fee structure.
Examinations for 2025-26 to be conducted by Pondicherry University.
Degrees for those students to be awarded by Pondicherry University.
A request has already been sent to the Ministry of Education seeking continuation of affiliation for 2025-26.
The Administration justified the move as necessary to ensure academic continuity and avoid disruption to students.
Where the Contradiction Lies.
The contradiction emerges on two key points:
- Affiliation Continuation
The Centre has stated that once Deemed-to-be University status is granted, colleges cannot remain affiliated with their previous university.
The UT Administration has sought to continue affiliation with Pondicherry University for 2025-26.
- Admissions Under 2025-26
The Centre’s clarification indicates that new admissions moving forward should fall under NSCBIHL.
The UT’s statement says students of 2025-26 will receive degrees from Pondicherry University.
If implemented as announced by the UT Administration, students admitted in 2025–26 would remain under Pondicherry University, a position that appears inconsistent with earlier Ministry and UGC clarifications.
Regulatory vs Administrative Approach
The Centre’s stand focuses on regulatory compliance under UGC Regulations, 2023. It emphasises that Deemed-to-be University status legally requires a complete institutional shift.
The UT Administration, on the other hand, has prioritised student stability, fee continuity and avoidance of mid-course disruption.
While the Centre insists on structural transition, the UT has opted for a temporary continuation.
What This Means Now.
At present:
NSCBIHL legally holds Deemed-to-be University status.
The UT Administration has sought a one-year continuation under Pondicherry University.
The Ministry’s response to that request remains crucial.
Until the Ministry formally approves or rejects the continuation request, the Islands remain in a policy grey zone.
A System in Transition
The Deemed University status represents a significant shift toward academic autonomy for the Islands. However, the transition has exposed coordination challenges between regulatory directives and administrative execution.
For students and parents, clarity on degree-awarding authority remains the most pressing concern.
As matters stand, the contradiction between Delhi’s regulatory position and the UT Administration’s latest announcement has brought the transition into sharp focus, leaving the final decision in the hands of the Ministry of Education.
