Finally, Institute of Science becomes autonomous

One of the few prestigious higher learning centres of Nagpur, the Government Institute of Science finally got autonomous status. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has sent a letter to this regard to Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) informing the conferment of autonomous status to Institute of Science. The UGC’s Standing Committee in its meeting that was held on March 8, 2021 took the decision of granting autonomous status to Institute. Institute will have this status for a period of 10 years from the session 2021-2022 to 2030-2031.

Expressing happiness over this development Dr R G Atram, the Director of Institute said, “We were endeavoring since long to get this status. I must appreciate the team of our college who worked hard to earn this prestige to the institute.

This is an academic status and now onwards, Institute can be able to conduct examinations on its own, can introduce 10% changes in curriculum, can be able to declare results. Of course degree certificate will have RTMNU’s name.”

The UGC’s letter says, the University is requested to issue necessary notification regarding the grant of autonomous status to the college as per UGC (Conferment of Autonomous Status Upon Colleges and Measures for Maintainence of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2018 for Autonomous Colleges. The college if eligible shall apply for autonomy grant as per the norms laid down in the Regulations.

Institute of Science came into being in the year 1906 but was called as Victoria College of Science. This college provided instruction in Physics and Chemistry to the students of both Morris and Hislop college, while they studied Maths and Biology at their respective colleges.

After the establishment of Nagpur University in 1924 number of students for science courses became fairly large. Then need for separate building for students of science arose and the present College of Science, came into existence in 1929.

It was in 1966 Government of Maharashtra recognised the service of Institute dedicated to the cause of scientific education and research, and elevated the college to level of Institute.

It is good to see large number of students from institute occupying position of eminence in various walks of life such as ministers, judges of supreme court and high court, vice-chancellor's of universities, directors, ambassadors, Chairman of UPSC, Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute Delhi, secretaries in the Government of India, Chief secretaries and secretaries of the state governments, top officers of the ICS, IAS, IPS, Defence Services etc., eminent physicians and surgeons, reputed scientists, engineers, administrators, industrialist and some spiritual leaders in the service of humanity. The institute now offers undergraduate courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, computer science, electronics, zoology, botany, environmental science. and offers post graduate courses in Physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, zoology, botany, environmental science. Students of Institute every year earn their place in University merit list at both UG and PG level.

The institute also provides for development of individual taste through extra curricular activities, sports, NSS, NCC etc. that plays a crucial role in all round development of any individual in present day education system.