In a significant development, degree colleges in Jharkhand receiving financial aid from the government will now be subject to stringent grading norms to secure grants. The state’s education department has issued a notification to this effect, amending the State Government’s Free Education Grant Regulations of 2004. Consequently, colleges with financial assistance will not only be evaluated based on student numbers but also on their performance according to a newly introduced grading system.{Jharkhand Government}
Under these new guidelines, colleges with recognized affiliation will receive grants based not only on the number of enrolled students but also on their grading. Institutions achieving a higher grade will receive significantly more financial aid, which could be up to four times the previous amounts.
The State Government has revised the Jharkhand State Government’s Free Education Grant Regulations of 2004, with the Higher and Technical Education Department releasing the relevant notification.
According to the revised regulations, degree colleges with recognized affiliation will now be assessed for grants not only based on the number of students but also according to their grading. Colleges that do not meet the required grading standards will receive grants at the previous rates.
The department has implemented a grading scale for funding. This increased funding will be applicable for the financial years 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28. Post the financial year 2027-28, degree colleges with permanent affiliation will be mandated to achieve a minimum B grade to qualify for grant approval. Institutions falling below the B grade from the financial year 2028-29 onwards will not receive any funding.
Funding Allocations (in lakhs) as per the grading scale:
| Grading | Number of Students | Minimum Amount | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Grade | 250 to 500 | 8.40 | 12.00 |
| B Grade | 250 to 500 | 5.60 | 8.00 |
| C Grade | 250 to 500 | 2.80 | 4.00 |
| No Grade | 250 to 500 | 1.40 | 2.00 |
| A Grade | 501 to 1000 | 10.80 | 15.00 |
| B Grade | 501 to 1000 | 7.20 | 10.00 |
| C Grade | 501 to 1000 | 3.60 | 5.00 |
| No Grade | 501 to 1000 | 1.80 | 2.50 |
| A Grade | 1001 to 2000 | 14.40 | 18.00 |
| B Grade | 1001 to 2000 | 9.60 | 12.00 |
| C Grade | 1001 to 2000 | 4.80 | 6.00 |
| No Grade | 1001 to 2000 | 2.40 | 3.00 |
| A Grade | 2001 and above | 24.00 | 30.00 |
| B Grade | 2001 and above | 16.00 | 20.00 |
| C Grade | 2001 and above | 8.00 | 10.00 |
| No Grade | 2001 and above | 4.00 | 5.00 |
Note: This grading scale applies to women’s colleges with student numbers ranging from 150 to 400, 401 to 800, 801 to 1500, and 1501 and above.
