The University Grants Commission's (UGC) draft regulation on the selection and appointment of vice chancellors has sparked protests from non-BJP State governments. These governments argue that the regulation violates federal principles and have called for its withdrawal.
The Union Minister for Education recently released the draft UGC Regulations, 2025, which aim to provide greater flexibility in the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff. These guidelines are open for public consultation, inviting comments, suggestions and feedback from stakeholders.
About the University Grants Commission (UGC)The University Grants Commission (UGC), established in 1956, operates under the Ministry of Education as a statutory body under the UGC Act, 1956. It was set up following recommendations by the University Education Commission led by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. Headquartered in New Delhi, with regional offices in Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bhopal, Guwahati and Bangalore, the UGC is responsible for:
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The draft regulations emphasize transparency and innovation in governance. The Search-cum-Selection Committee for appointing Vice-Chancellors (VCs) includes representatives from the Chancellor, UGC Chairperson and the university’s apex body.
Eligibility for VCs has been broadened to include professionals from academia, industry, public administration and public policy.
The guidelines allow candidates with diverse academic backgrounds to qualify, focusing on specialization at the Ph.D. level.
Promotions under CAS prioritize qualitative assessment over score-based metrics. Faculty contributions to research, teaching innovation, community engagement and entrepreneurship are given significant weightage.
Institutions can now engage up to 10% of sanctioned posts with industry professionals, enabling the exchange of practical knowledge.
The regulations promote inclusivity by encouraging the representation of SC, ST, OBC, EWS and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in leadership roles.
The draft emphasizes teaching and research in Indian languages to preserve and promote Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
The removal of the 10% cap on contractual appointments enables institutions to meet teaching demands effectively.
In most state universities, the Governor acts as the Chancellor, holding supervisory powers and appointing key officials such as Vice-Chancellors (VCs) based on recommendations from the Search-cum-Selection Committee. The Governor also approves statutes and regulations to ensure alignment with state laws and UGC standards.
These regulations align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, inclusivity and cultural preservation. By fostering academic research in Indian languages and encouraging innovative teaching methods, the draft ensures global competitiveness while preserving Indian heritage.
The broadened eligibility for leadership roles improves governance, while the streamlined processes for recruitment and promotions ensure transparency and fairness.
Education in India falls under the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, allowing both the Centre and states to legislate on the subject. Entry 66 of the Union List empowers the Centre to set standards for higher education and research.
The UGC seeks to amend Regulation 2010 by broadening the eligibility criteria for vice chancellors. It proposes to include professionals with 10+ years of experience in fields such as industry, public administration, or public policy, alongside academicians with a minimum of 10 years as a professor.
The draft regulation raises constitutional questions, separating its implications from potential political motivations. The main issue lies in whether the UGC's move is consistent with its legislative mandate under the UGC Act.
The University Grants Commission Act, 1956 was enacted to coordinate and maintain educational standards in universities. It empowers the UGC to make regulations, allocate funds and advise governments on university-related matters. However, these regulations must align with the Act's provisions.
UGC's Scope of Authority
Critics argue that the UGC lacks the authority to regulate the selection and appointment of vice chancellors. The Act focuses on maintaining educational standards and prescribing teaching qualifications, but it does not address vice chancellors' appointments, making such regulations potentially ultra vires.
Courts have weighed in on UGC regulations and their authority:
The key question is whether UGC regulations override State laws. Under Article 254 of the Constitution, only central laws passed by Parliament, not subordinate regulations, can override State laws unless the latter has received presidential assent.
In the Kalyani Mathivanan case, the Supreme Court upheld that UGC Regulation 7.3.0 is recommendatory for State universities. This interpretation could provide a basis for resolving the ongoing conflict over the draft regulation.
The way forward requires collaborative policymaking that balances central and state roles. Targeted funding should support under-resourced institutions. Leadership roles must prioritize academic and administrative experience. Caps on contractual hiring and clear pathways to permanence will ensure stability. Promote inclusivity with scholarships and grants. Focus on faculty training for modern teaching methods. Finally, ensure transparent governance through independent oversight.
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