c. Draft UGC Regulations 2025: Academic Autonomy vs Regulation
Notes for Students
Context of the Article: The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the Draft Regulations 2025 in January, seeking to overhaul higher education governance and align with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the reforms aim to standardise recruitment, broaden eligibility, and streamline appointments, they have triggered nationwide debate on whether they erode institutional autonomy and shift excessive control to the central government. Over 15,000 suggestions were submitted during the consultation period that concluded in March 2025.
UPSC Paper Topic Belongs To:
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance (Education and Federalism)
GS Paper II: Government Policies and Interventions (Higher Education Regulation)
GS Paper II: Constitution (Concurrent List and State Autonomy)
GS Paper IV: Ethics in Governance (Academic Freedom and Institutional Integrity)
Dimensions of the Article:
- Regulation of Vice-Chancellor Appointments
- Federal Tensions in Higher Education Governance
- Reforms in Faculty Recruitment
- Autonomy of Higher Education Institutions
- Role of UGC vs States and Universities
Why in News
In January 2025, the UGC released draft regulations proposing sweeping changes to higher education governance. One of the most debated provisions is the restructuring of the Vice-Chancellor (VC) appointment process. Under the draft, a search-cum-selection committee would be formed with one nominee each from the Governor (as Chancellor), UGC Chairperson, and the university’s executive body. Additionally, eligibility for VC positions has been expanded to include professionals from industry, PSUs, and public policy backgrounds. States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh have opposed these changes, citing infringement on state powers and institutional autonomy.
Features
- Vice-Chancellor Appointment Process
- The committee for VC selection will now include a nominee from the UGC Chairperson, along with nominees from the Governor and the university. This centralises influence and has drawn opposition from multiple states.
- Non-academicians with leadership roles in industry or public service and at least 10 years of experience are now eligible for the VC post, diversifying but also potentially diluting academic leadership.
- Changes in Faculty Recruitment Criteria
- The Academic Performance Index (API) has been dropped in favour of broader criteria such as teaching, research, contribution to Indian Knowledge Systems, and pedagogy.
- Greater flexibility in the appointment of faculty, including recognition of achievements beyond standard metrics.
- Autonomy of Higher Educational Institutions
- Autonomous colleges have raised concerns that university oversight mechanisms may interfere with their right to launch new programs.
- Tensions surfaced in Kerala where autonomous colleges challenged Mahatma Gandhi University over the requirement of prior approvals.
- State Opposition and Constitutional Concerns
- Several states have passed resolutions against the draft regulations, terming them an assault on federalism.
- As education is in the Concurrent List of the Constitution, both the Centre and states have a role in regulation. Critics argue that these regulations tilt the balance excessively toward central control.
