Guwahati, April 11: Gauhati Commerce College, one of Assam's premier institutions for commerce education, has been granted autonomous status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for a period of five years, from the 2026–27 to 2030–31 academic sessions. The recognition marks a significant milestone in the college's six-decade-long journey of academic excellence and institutional development.
 |
| Main gate of Gauhati Commerce College in Guwahati, recently granted autonomous status by the University Grants Commission for 2026–31. (Image: x.com/ranojpeguassam) |
Announcing the achievement, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu congratulated the college, stating that the autonomous status reflects its sustained commitment to quality education, academic innovation, and excellence in higher education. He expressed confidence that the recognition would further strengthen the institution's contribution to Assam's educational landscape.
Welcoming the development, Principal Professor Bipul Das described the UGC's decision as a historic moment for the institution. He said autonomous status would provide the college with greater academic freedom, enabling it to design its own curriculum, introduce innovative and industry-relevant courses, and implement modern teaching and evaluation methods while continuing its affiliation with Gauhati University.
Professor Das said the new status would create fresh opportunities for academic growth, research, skill development, and institutional advancement. He expressed optimism that the college would continue to play a leading role in producing skilled graduates and contributing to society through quality education.
At the same time, the principal highlighted the issue of staff shortages faced by several colleges across Assam. He urged the state government to provide additional teaching and non-teaching staff and improve infrastructure to meet the growing demand for higher education, as student enrolment continues to rise across the state.
Established on September 10, 1962, Gauhati Commerce College began its journey with around 300 students and has since grown into one of the state's leading commerce institutions, with an enrolment exceeding 3,000 students. Over the decades, the college has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, producing successful professionals in commerce, business, finance, and public administration.
The grant of autonomous status is expected to enhance the institution's academic competitiveness and enable it to respond more effectively to evolving educational and industry requirements. It also aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages greater institutional autonomy, innovation, and flexibility in higher education.
