In pursuance of the NPE–1986 UGC had launched the Academic Staff College scheme in 1987, taking into cognisance the beneficial experience of different countries which initiated “Staff Development Programmes” for promoting quality of higher education. 

The ASC at Jamia Millia Islamia was established in 1987 with 100% funding of all its activities/training programmes by the UGC.

The ASC is expected to develop an understanding among the college and university teachers of the environment they are working in and also provide an insight into pedagogy and psychology of learning and educational technology and help them communicate more effectively with their students.