Canara College in Mangaluru gets autonomous status

Canara College in Mangaluru receives autonomous status, enhancing academic freedom and opportunities for students starting in 2026-27.

Canara College in Mangaluru has been granted autonomous status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the government of Karnataka for 10 years from 2025–26 to 2034–35. The college will implement the autonomy from the academic year 2026–27, according to M. Jagannath Kamath, Correspondent, Canara High School Association, which manages the college.

Addressing press persons in Mangaluru on March 4, Mr. Kamath said that the college was established in 1973. It got an ‘A’ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Autonomy is a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey.

While the college will have academic freedom in curriculum design, examination, and evaluation, the degree will continue to be awarded by Mangalore University with the status of ‘Autonomous College’ clearly mentioned, he said.

Key benefits of autonomous status include, he said, faster and transparent examination and evaluation system; timely declaration of results; industry-oriented and skill-based curriculum; introduction of new courses and certificate programmes ; strengthened internship and placement opportunities; and academic flexibility aligned with emerging trends.

The college has decided to implement autonomy from 2026–27 to ensure systematic preparation, including formation of statutory bodies, such as the Governing Body, Academic Council, and Boards of Studies, establishment of a dedicated office of Controller of Examinations, faculty training, and infrastructure strengthening.

The institution will continue to function within the framework of UGC, State Government, and university guidelines, ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality assurance through IQAC and academic audits, he said.