Draft UGC Regulations 2025

• 21 Feb 2025

For Prelims: National Education Policy, Concurrent List, University Grants Commission  

For Mains: Higher Education Policies, Education Governance, Equity in Education 

Source: BS 

Why in News?

Six Indian states called for the withdrawal of the draft University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, citing concerns over federal autonomy and educational standards. 

What are the Key Provisions of Draft UGC Regulations 2025? 

• The draft centralizes the selection process for Vice Chancellors (VCs) by removing the role of State governments in the appointment. 
  • Universities failing to comply could be debarred from UGC schemes and denied funding. 
• The draft proposes increasing the tenure of VCs from three years to five years. 
• The draft allows the appointment of non-academics with at least 10 years of senior-level experience in public administration and public policy. 
• The draft proposes making entrance exams mandatory for undergraduate courses. 
• The draft strengthens academia-industry collaboration, promotes Indian languages  in academic publication, enhances transparency, and includes sportspersons in teaching roles. 

What are the Key Facts About UGC? 

• Genesis: India's first effort to establish a national education system began with the 1944 Sargeant Report, which recommended creating a University Grants Committee. 
  • Formed in 1945, the committee initially supervised Aligarh, Banaras, and Delhi universities. By 1947, its scope expanded to include all existing universities. 
  • In 1948, the University Education Commission, led by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, recommended its restructuring based on the UK model.  
  • In 1952, the Union Government designated the University Grants Commission (UGC) to oversee grants for Central Universities and higher education institutions. 
    • Formally inaugurated by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in 1953 , it became a statutory body in 1956. The head office of the UGC is located in New Delhi. 
• Composition: UGC is made up of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and 10 other members. The Central Government appoints all members of the UGC. 
• Key Functions:  Assess universities' financial needs, and allocate and disburse grants for maintenance, development, and other purposes. 
  • Recommends improvements in higher education and assists in implementation. 

Regulation of Education in India 

• The 42^nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 shifted Education from the State List to the Concurrent List, allowing the central government greater involvement in policymaking while preserving state autonomy in local education administration. 
  • Policies like National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the role of bodies like UGC, and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) derive their authority from the Concurrent List. 
• Education in 7^th Schedule: 

Union List (List I)	State List (List II)	Concurrent List (List III)
The institutions known at the commencement of this Constitution include Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Delhi University.  Institutions of national importance (IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, etc.)  Institutions for scientific or technical education funded by the Union Government.  Coordination and determination of standards in higher education and research institutions (e.g., UGC, AICTE).  Union agencies involved in vocational, technical, and scientific education.	Incorporation and regulation of universities, educational institutions, and libraries within the state (excluding institutions of national importance).	Education, including technical and medical education, universities, and vocational training (both Union and State governments can legislate).

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims

Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)

1. Directive Principles of State Policy  
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies  
3. Fifth Schedule  
4. Sixth Schedule  
5. Seventh Schedule  

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:  

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 3, 4 and 5 only  

(c) 1, 2 and 5 only  

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5  

Ans- (d)

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Mains

Q1. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (2020)