The objective of the new system is to foster empowerment and autonomy by gradually phasing out the affiliation system over a period of 15 years through a process of graded autonomy. Untethering collegesThe college-university affiliation system has long served as the foundational structure for higher education and is so deeply entrenched in the Indian higher education system that disassociating colleges with the university sounds unrealistic. The university affiliation system is now riddled with systemic inefficiencies, archaic academic rigidity, and administrative challenges that impede the progress of colleges. Multiple challengesOne of the most significant problems with the affiliation system is the overwhelming burden it places on universities. An alternate modelWhile the university affiliation system once played a vital role in expanding higher education, its limitations now hinder progressive educational aspirations.

Source: The Hindu March 18, 2026 13:35 UTC