Scottish Church College seeks autonomous status, eyes AI and new-age academic expansion

Scottish Church College has applied to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for autonomous status as the historic Kolkata institution plans a major academic overhaul focused on curriculum redesign, interdisciplinary learning and emerging technology-driven courses.

The 196-year-old college submitted its application on Monday following recommendations made by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2022. The institution has also approached the University of Calcutta for a no-objection certificate (NOC), a key procedural requirement for autonomy.

Principal Madhumanjari Mandal said the college acted on NAAC’s recommendation before the end of the current accreditation cycle.

College authorities said autonomous status would provide greater academic flexibility, enabling the institution to redesign syllabi and introduce new major programmes aligned with evolving industry and student demands.

Among the proposed academic expansions are major programmes in sociology, psychology and statistics, alongside growing emphasis on contemporary fields such as artificial intelligence and data science.

Officials stated that curriculum reforms and introduction of new-age courses would begin only after formal approval from the UGC.

The institution is also undertaking infrastructural expansion through a second campus at the Ogilvie campus near its main premises in Kolkata. Departments such as commerce and BBA are expected to shift to the new facility after construction is completed, while additional future-oriented programmes may also operate from the expanded campus.

The move reflects a broader shift among higher educational institutions in Kolkata towards autonomous governance structures that allow colleges to introduce flexible, industry-oriented and multidisciplinary curricula more rapidly than under traditional university systems.

Recently, Loreto College also applied for autonomous status after receiving an NOC from the University of Calcutta. Meanwhile, Behala College secured autonomous status last year and subsequently launched programmes in cyber security, multimedia, web development, design and Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA).

Education experts believe the growing push for autonomy among colleges reflects increasing pressure on institutions to modernise academic offerings and equip students with skills suited to changing employment markets shaped by digital technologies, artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary industries.

For Scottish Church College, autonomy could mark a significant transition from its traditional academic structure towards a more flexible and innovation-driven educational model while preserving its longstanding legacy in higher education.