USTM calls Assam CM’s allegations of fake certificates against the university unfortunate
The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) strongly refutes the unfortunate statements made by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam on 16th February 2025, labelling the university as fraudulent. USTM with all statutory credentials has been contributing immensely to higher education, research, and social welfare since its inception in 2011. Such statements not just defame the university but also question the credibility of the highest statutory and accreditation bodies of the Government of India, which has recognised the quality and educational standard of the university over the years.
USTM credentials have already been established by the accreditation of ‘A’ Grade by NAAC in the very first cycle of assessment, and also being the only private university in the North East India to be ranked among the top 200 universities of the country by NIRF, Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the last three consecutive years. The university has been ranked 52 in the Nature Index, which is an indicator of the quality of research and scientific output. Also, the Meghalaya Private University Regulatory Board (MPURB) is constantly reviewing the quality of education and other parameters of USTM. These achievements reflect our commitment to academic excellence and are evidence of the rigorous standards maintained by the university.
Our teaching-learning and evaluation are conducted strictly as per the guidelines of UGC and USTM regulations. The PhD programme is conducted with firm adherence to UGC regulations as revised from time to time and follows a rigorous and transparent research process, often exceeding the standards set by premier institutions. The research process involves multiple levels of scrutiny, quality assurance and every level of evaluation is done in presence of an external expert from premier institutions like IIT Guwahati, Tezpur University, North-Eastern Hill University, AMU, JNU, Delhi University, Gauhati University and other premier institutions of the country. Till date, 111 PhDs have been awarded under the guidance of Faculty members of USTM with sound research credentials. USTM holds 140 patents which have already been published/granted and 1085 research papers published in reputed national and international journals in recent years.
The university has produced 350+ UGC NET & GATE-qualified students. Our students have received multiple prestigious fellowships and awards and have been selected for further higher studies in various institutions of excellence like IISC Bangalore, IITs, NITs, Central Universities, etc.
The university has successfully organized numerous prestigious national and international events, including the National Conference of Vice Chancellors 2023 for the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi where more than 400 Vice Chancellors and Directors of higher educational institutions attended. Our reputation is further evidenced by the visits of two Former Presidents of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Shri Ram Nath Kovind, as well as the Chairpersons of UGC, UPSC, NAAC, Cabinet Ministers, and Chief Ministers of various states.
We categorically reject the unfounded accusations against USTM. Such statements not only tarnish the image of a credible educational institution but also demoralizes thousands of students, faculty members, and researchers striving for excellence.
We urge the Hon’ble Chief Minister to engage in a fact-based discourse, acknowledging the contributions made by USTM towards higher education. USTM remains steadfast in its mission to serve the nation through quality education, research, and social empowerment. Further, we openly welcome any enquiry or investigation by any authority for cross-verification of facts and figures.
