Privacy & Data Protection
Policy

CGC University, Mohali (“University”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your information when you interact with our official website, admissions process, scholarship programs (CGCUET), placement services, and academic collaborations. By engaging with us, you agree to the practices described herein.

1. Information We Collect

To provide world-class education, scholarships up to ₹50 Cr, and placement assistance (including Capgemini CodeXperience Centre), we collect the following categories of personal data:

• Identity Data: Full name, date of birth, gender, Aadhaar (optional), parent/guardian names, and student ID.
• Contact Details: Email address, phone number, current & permanent address, and emergency contact.
• Academic Records: 10th, 12th mark sheets, JEE/CUET scores, graduation details (if applicable), and prior institution records.
• Scholarship & Financial Data: Income certificates, scholarship application details, bank details for fee refunds.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies, and page interaction patterns (via analytics).
• Placement & Internship Data: Resume, skills, interview performance, and recruiter feedback (with your consent).

2. How We Use Your Information

Your data enables us to deliver excellence in academics, research, and career opportunities. Specifically, we use your information for:

• Processing admission applications, enrollment, and fee management.
• Evaluating scholarship eligibility (CGCUET, merit-based, sports quota).
• Communicating important dates, exam schedules, and interview calls.
• Facilitating campus placements with recruiters like Capgemini, WNS, Autodesk, ServiceNow, etc.
• Improving our curriculum, research infrastructure (350+ patents filed), and student support.
• Complying with statutory obligations (UGC, AICTE, Punjab Govt.) and preventing fraud.
• Sending newsletters, event invitations, and academic updates (you may opt-out anytime).

3. Sharing Your Information

We never sell your personal data. However, we may share information in limited, lawful circumstances:

• Authorized Service Providers: Cloud hosting, payment gateways, CRM tools bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
• Corporate & Placement Partners: With your explicit consent, we share relevant data with recruiters and global capability centres (e.g., Capgemini) to facilitate hiring.
• Legal & Regulatory Authorities: If required by law, court order, or government agency to protect the University’s rights or student safety.
• Affiliated Institutions: Within CGC group for collaborative research and exchange programs (under data protection clauses).

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, analyze traffic, and remember preferences. Essential cookies are required for login and application forms. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings; however, disabling certain cookies may affect site functionality. Third-party tools (Google Analytics, etc.) are configured to anonymize IP addresses where possible.

5. Data Retention & Security

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as mandated by Indian laws. Student records (academic & placement) are retained for a period of 8 years after graduation or as per AICTE norms. After retention expiry, data is securely anonymized or deleted. We enforce strict physical and digital safeguards, including firewalls, encrypted backups, and multi-factor authentication for administrative portals.

6. Your Rights & Choices

Under applicable Indian data protection framework, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data held by us.
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): Request deletion, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data in certain scenarios.
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Opt-out of marketing communications or sharing data with placement partners.

To exercise your rights, contact our Data Protection Officer (details below). We respond within 30 days and never discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

7. International Data Transfers

CGC University has collaborations with 120+ institutions across 30+ countries (USA, UK, Japan, Germany, etc.). If you enroll in international study programs or global internships, your data may be transferred to partner universities overseas under adequate safeguard mechanisms (Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent). We ensure that your data remains protected in accordance with this policy.

8. External Websites & Links

Our website may contain links to external portals (scholarship portals, government bodies, recruiters). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before submitting any personal information.

9. Children's Privacy

Our programs are primarily intended for individuals aged 16 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If we become aware of such data collection, we will delete it immediately.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal standards, technology, or our operations. The latest version will always be posted on this page with the "Effective Date" at the top. Material changes will be notified via email or a prominent notice on our homepage.

11. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

If you have any concerns, complaints, or questions regarding your privacy or this policy, please reach out to our designated Grievance Officer (Nodal Officer for Data Protection):

For general admission or scholarship queries, kindly contact admissions@cgcuniversity.in or call our toll-free number 1800-120-2026. We strive to resolve any data-related grievance within 15 working days.

CGC University, Mohali — Empowering Futures with Integrity & Trust. This Privacy Policy is compliant with IT Act 2000 (Sp. Rules 2011) and contemporary global standards.