Need for a balanced approach in higher education institutions

While the intention to modernize academic standards is always laudable, several provisions in the UGC draft raise concerns about their potential to undermine the quality of Indian academia.

- SANTISHREE DHULIPUDI PANDIT

In the winter session of Parliament, beginning December, 2025, the Union Government plans to introduce the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, 2025, as a flagship reform to create a single overarching higher education regulator, replacing the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the sectoral councils, excluding medical and legal education. The HECI is expected to be a robust framework, designed to ensure quality, accountability, and institutional autonomy in higher education and translate the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's vision into clear norms on curriculum reforms, better academic delivery, and promote research culture.

Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) released a draft policy on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education Regulations, 2025. This draft has elicited significant reactions and responses on the state of higher education in India and its future trajectory. While the intention to modernize academic standards is always laudable, several provisions raise serious concerns about their potential to undermine the quality of Indian academia. Key issues such as lenient publication metrics, lack of reverse mobility, and the marginalization of the humanities demand urgent attention.

DILUTION OF ACADEMIC RIGOUR