Section 23 of the Central Universities Act, 2009 - Boards of Studies

Section 23 deals with the Boards of Studies of Central Universities governed by the Central Universities Act, 2009. It adopts a framework approach: the Act identifies the body, while its detailed constitution, powers and functions are to be laid down in the applicable University Statutes.

Text and meaning of Section 23

In practical terms, Section 23 does not itself prescribe a single uniform membership structure or an exhaustive list of duties for every Board of Studies. Those details must be found in the Statutes applicable to the particular Central University.

What does "prescribed by the Statutes" mean?

The expression means that the governing Statutes made under the Central Universities Act provide the operative rules concerning the composition, authority and functions of Boards of Studies. Section 26 is relevant because it authorises Statutes to provide for matters including the constitution, powers and functions of University authorities and other bodies.

Role of a Board of Studies

A Board of Studies is an academic body whose precise legal role depends on the University's Statutes and, where validly made, its Ordinances and other academic regulations. Depending on those instruments, its work may include academic programme review, curriculum-related recommendations, examination-related academic matters and recommendations concerning teaching and research.

Important: Section 23 itself should not be read as conferring every commonly associated academic power directly on a Board of Studies. For a specific University, always check its current Statutes and applicable Ordinances.

Relationship with the Academic Council

Section 22 describes the Academic Council as the principal academic body of the University, subject to the Act, Statutes and Ordinances. Section 23 should therefore be read together with the statutory and institutional framework governing the Academic Council and the relevant University's Statutes.

Official legal source

For the authoritative Central Act, see the Central Universities Act, 2009 on India Code. Users dealing with a particular Central University should additionally verify that University's current Statutes and Ordinances.

Frequently asked questions

Does Section 23 specify who must be members of every Board of Studies?

No. Section 23 leaves the constitution of Boards of Studies to the Statutes.

Does Section 23 itself list all powers of a Board of Studies?

No. The powers and functions are to be prescribed by the Statutes, so the relevant University's governing instruments must be consulted.

Which provision concerns the Academic Council?

Section 22 concerns the Academic Council, while Section 23 concerns Boards of Studies.