Section 5 - Objects of University
Section 5 states the statutory objects that guide a University governed by the Central Universities Act, 2009. These objects cover advancement of knowledge, teaching and research, interdisciplinary education, national development, industry linkages and social, economic, intellectual, academic and cultural welfare. The section also contains special provisions applicable to the Tribal University under Section 3D and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya under Section 3F.
Meaning and scope of Section 5
The expression "objects of University" describes the purposes for which a University under the Act is expected to function. Section 5 therefore provides the broad statutory framework for academic programmes, research, innovation, training, industry engagement and public welfare.
The Central Universities Act, 2009 is Central Act No. 25 of 2009. For the current consolidated statutory text, the official India Code version should be consulted, particularly where an amendment or institution-specific provision is relevant.
Updated text of Section 5
5. Objects of University. - The objects of the University shall be to disseminate and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in such branches of learning as it may deem fit; to make special provisions for integrated courses in humanities, social sciences, science and technology in its educational programmes; to take appropriate measures for promoting innovations in teaching-learning process and inter-disciplinary studies and research; to educate and train manpower for the development of the country; to establish linkages with industries for the promotion of science and technology; and to pay special attention to the improvement of the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people, their intellectual, academic and cultural development.
First proviso: The Tribal University established under Section 3D is required to take additional measures giving special attention to tribal-centric higher education and research, including art, culture and customs.
Second proviso: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya established as a University under Section 3F is required to take additional measures for high-quality teaching, research and skill development in disciplines connected with transportation, technology and management, including establishment of centres in India and abroad where required in the opinion of the University.
Key objects explained
1. Dissemination and advancement of knowledge
The University may provide instructional and research facilities in branches of learning that it considers appropriate. The provision gives a broad academic and research orientation to institutions governed by the Act.
2. Integrated and interdisciplinary education
Section 5 specifically recognises integrated courses in humanities, social sciences, science and technology, along with innovation in teaching-learning and interdisciplinary studies and research.
3. Education and training for national development
The statutory objects include educating and training manpower for the development of the country. This connects university education and research with wider national needs.
4. Linkages with industry
The section expressly contemplates linkages with industries for promotion of science and technology, thereby recognising cooperation between academic institutions and industry.
5. Social, economic and cultural development
The Universities must pay special attention to improving the social and economic conditions and welfare of the people as well as their intellectual, academic and cultural development.
Special provisions added to Section 5
The original page contained the principal paragraph of Section 5 but did not include the two later provisos now appearing in the consolidated Act. The first proviso, concerning the Tribal University established under Section 3D, was inserted by the Central Universities (Amendment) Act, 2019. The second proviso, concerning Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya under Section 3F, was inserted by the Central Universities (Amendment) Act, 2022.
Related provisions
Section 5 should be read in the context of the Act as a whole, particularly the provisions dealing with establishment and status of Universities and the powers conferred upon them. See the related Central Universities Act links in the sidebar.
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026.