Salesian College attains autonomous status

DARJEELING,: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted autonomous status to Salesian College which has its units in Siliguri and Sonada.

The Salesian College, first such institution in the North Bengal region to receive the autonomy, is now empowered to independently formulate its courses, syllabi, routines and conduct examinations without requiring prior permissions from external agencies.

Fr. Babu Joseph, the principal of Salesian College at Sonada, said “This achievement comes after rigorous evaluation and approval by the UGC, and now the college in both its Siliguri and Sonada units has the autonomy to design and implement its own academic programs, assessments and examination systems. This status provides the college with greater flexibility to tailor its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of students and industry demands, fostering a dynamic and responsive learning environment.”

With this autonomy, Salesian College can introduce new courses, update existing ones and collaborate with industry leaders to ensure students receive a comprehensive and relevant education.

Fr. Babu Joseph emphasized that the college, being one of the oldest under the University of North Bengal, had earned recognition for its quality in education from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), receiving an 'A' grade in its third cycle of accreditation. The institution has also been certified 'twice' as the College with Potential for Excellence (CPE).

“The autonomous status has made Salesian College an institution with a difference as it has been granted the right to start innovative programs which will have a high rate of job placement. Now onwards the students of Salesian College will not only acquire a degree but also procure a job as they graduate,” added Fr. Babu Joseph.

Following the autonomous status, Salesian College aims to complete the Siliguri campus by the 2023-24 academic session. This expansion will enable the introduction of courses such as MBA, MCA, Hotel Management, and others in Siliguri.

"We want to make such an infrastructure in Siliguri that we can give admission to about 5,000 students. In our Sonada campus also there will be many constructions and new facilities provided. One of the things we want to do in our Sonada College is to try and give personal attention to every student there so that we can focus on their problems and encourage them in their studies,” explained Fr. Babu Joseph.