Imphal, February 24, 2026: In a significant milestone for higher education in Manipur, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted autonomous status to Asufii Christian Institute (ACI), Punanamei, Mao, an institution affiliated with Manipur University. The autonomous status has been conferred for a period of five academic years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, providing the college with greater academic and administrative independence.
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| Aerial view of Asufii Christian Institute, Punanamei, Mao, Manipur, which has been granted autonomous status by the UGC for five years from 2026–27. (Image: acimao.in) |
According to an official communication issued by Dr. R. Manoj Kumar, Joint Secretary, UGC, the Commission approved the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Autonomous Colleges during its meeting held on January 30, 2026. The approval has been granted under Clause 7.4 of the UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status Upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023.
The UGC has directed Manipur University to issue the necessary notification conferring autonomous status on the institute within 30 days of receiving the Commission's communication. The university has also been requested to ensure that all formalities are completed in accordance with the provisions of the UGC Regulations.
With autonomous status, Asufii Christian Institute will have greater flexibility in designing and revising its curriculum, introducing new academic programmes, adopting innovative teaching and evaluation methods, and strengthening research and skill-based education while continuing to award degrees under the aegis of Manipur University.
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The Commission has, however, emphasised that the institution must strictly comply with all provisions of the UGC Regulations for Autonomous Colleges, 2023. Failure to adhere to the prescribed norms may invite appropriate action under the regulations. The institute has also been advised to apply for an extension of its autonomous status at least three months before the expiry of the current autonomy period.
The conferment of autonomous status is expected to enhance the academic standards, governance, and institutional excellence of Asufii Christian Institute. Educationists believe the move will enable the college to respond more effectively to emerging educational needs, promote innovation in teaching and research, and improve the overall quality of higher education in Manipur while benefiting students from the state and the wider Northeast region.
