'Open to feedback for improving edu system'

2025 draft regulations widen credentials for selecting vice-chancellors, says UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar

- Kavita Bajeli-Datt

HE 2025 UGC regulations aim to transform how faculty members are recruited and promoted in Indian Higher Education Institutions by introducing changes that enhance flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in faculty recruitment and career progression, said University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar. On Opposition parties' shrill criticism, he told Kavita Bajeli-Datt in an interview that they would listen to constructive feedback to address concerns and work collaboratively to strengthen the higher education system. Excerpts:

Why did the UGC need a regulation change in recruiting teachers and vice-chancellors when the rules were introduced in 2018?

The Academic Performance Indicator (API) system in the 2018 regulations heavily relied on quantitative metrics, reducing academic performance to numerical scores. The 2025 regulations discontinue the API-based shortlisting and adopt a more qualitative approach.

Why is there a need to allow individuals for faculty positions based on their performance in a subject of their choice in UGC-NET, even if their UG and PG degrees are in different disciplines?

That aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the broader goals of creating a multi-disciplinary, flexible, and inclusive academic ecosystem. NEP 2020 emphasizes breaking down rigid academic silos and encouraging interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning.