The National Knowledge Commission suggested that the proposed national universities should NOT have:

The National Knowledge Commission held that the proposed national universities should not have affiliated colleges.

Public funding was not the feature they were to be denied.

Linkage with industries was encouraged, not ruled out.

Teaching departments were meant to be a part of these universities.

Freedom from affiliation was to keep them focused on teaching and research.

The Commission worked in the mid-2000s under the chairmanship of Sam Pitroda.