The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Act, 2013
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
Act details
| Short title | The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Act, 2013 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to establish and incorporate a national aviation University to facilitate and promote aviation studies and research to achieve excellence in areas of aviation management, policy, science and technology, aviation environment, training in governing fields of safety and security regulations on aviation and other related fields to produce quality human resources to cater to the needs of the aviation sector and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. |
| Act number | 26 of 2013 |
| Act year | 2013 |
| Enactment date | 18 Sep 2013 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Civil Aviation |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 48 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Summary
Summary of the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Act, 2013
Key Provisions
University Powers
• Academic Authority: Provide specialized aviation instructions
• Standardization: Recognize and maintain quality in affiliated training institutions
• Infrastructure Development: For aviation education, research, and training
• Global Outreach: Permit offshore campuses for expanded reach
• Awards and Recognitions: For excellence in aviation fields
Governance Structure
Presidential Oversight (Visitor): The President of India
Leadership:
• Chancellor
• Vice-Chancellor
Decision-Making Bodies:
• Executive Council
• Academic Council
• Finance Committee
Employment Framework: For university staff and faculty
Financial Provisions
University Fund:
• Central Government contributions
• Other legitimate sources (e.g., industry, donations)
• Expenditure Guidelines: As per university statutes and regulations
Student & Academic Affairs
• Admission Processes: Based on merit and as per university regulations
• Academic Offerings: Degrees and certifications in various aviation fields
• Student Welfare: Facilities and support for student well-being
• Inclusive Policies: For diverse student body accommodation
Legal & Operational Framework
Legal Personality: Capacity to sue and be sued Oversight Mechanisms:
• Visitor's inspections
• Due process for inquiries and grievances
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Act, 2013
Short Title The Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Act, 2013
Act Number / Year Act No. 26 of 2013
Act ID (India Code) 201326
Presidential Assent Date September 18, 2013
Enforcement Date November 18, 2013
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Civil Aviation
Precedent & Statutory Rationale
1. Meeting the Specialized Demands of the Aviation Sector:
o Prior to 2013, India's rapidly expanding civil aviation industry faced a severe shortage of specialized managerial, technical, and regulatory personnel. Training and academic studies were fragmented across generic institutions or airline-specific centers without unified national standards.
2. Institutionalizing Excellence in Aviation Studies and Research:
o Grounded in national transport development strategies, the legislation was enacted to establish a premier central university focused exclusively on aviation management, safety, security, policy, science, and technology.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
• Formulation: Developed and piloted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to build a dedicated institution for aviation education and research.
• Parliamentary Passage: Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2013, passed by the Lok Sabha on September 6, 2013, and subsequently passed by the Rajya Sabha on September 7, 2013.
• Presidential Assent: Received formal Presidential Assent on September 18, 2013, entering the statute book as Act No. 26 of 2013.
• Enforcement: Enforced on November 18, 2013.
• Source: India Code Official Repository and Ministry of Civil Aviation Official Records