TN Council for Higher Education to set standards on par with India’s best HEIs

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TNSCHE), the highest decision-making body under the Higher Education Department, will be given independent power to set standards in higher education on par with the best of the institutions in the country.

Presently, TNSCHE is responsible for curriculum development, science education, improving examination standards and providing guidance, support, and resources to students to help them make informed decisions.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department told DT Next: “TNSCHE will have assessment reforms in outcome-based pedagogical approaches in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). TNSCHE will be given power to encourage HEIs to participate in National Institute of Ranking Framework (NIRF), and QS rankings and apply for National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditations.”

TNSCHE’s mandate is expected to be expanded with conducting research in all aspects of higher education: policy, financing, thrust areas, publications and patents from HEIs in the state, curriculum and pedagogy, with its own regular series of publications on these aspects. “In 2024, more than 1,000 student’s projects were approved. The number of research projects will also be increased this year to attract more students in the HEIs,” he added.

Universities shall also nominate ex-officio members in the TNSCHE so that the council is always fully functional in terms of membership with active participation of all HEIs. “The council will also develop programmes for effective academic co-operation and interaction between faculties in universities and colleges and also provide mobility of teachers and students in and outside the state. TNSCHE will also focus more on extension activities and promote interaction between universities and industries in special areas relevant to the institutions and regional planning development,” elaborated the official.

TNSCHE will also forward the developmental programmes of all HEIs to the UGC along with its comments and recommendations and monitor the progress of implementation of such programmes.