New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has received more than 15,000 suggestions on its draft regulations for the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges.
The draft UGC (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, was released for public consultation on 6 January 2025, with the last date for submitting feedback set as 28 February 2025.
Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, said this week that the UGC will review these suggestions before finalizing the regulations.
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan officially released the draft regulations in New Delhi, in the presence of Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC, along with Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education, heads of institutions, academicians, and other officials.
Pradhan then emphasized that these reforms aim to introduce innovation, inclusivity, flexibility and dynamism in higher education, empowering teachers and strengthening academic standards.
He expressed confidence that the final version of the regulations will drive transformation in India’s education system and contribute to Viksit Bharat 2047 through quality education and research.
Key Features of the Draft UGC Regulations 2025
The draft regulations propose several reforms to enhance the recruitment and promotion process in higher education institutions. Some of the key highlights include:
- Flexibility in Teaching Careers: Candidates qualifying NET/SET can pursue teaching positions even if their specialization differs from their previous degrees, with priority given to PhD specializations.
- Promotion of Indian Languages: Encourages academic publications and degree programs in Indian languages.
- Holistic Evaluation System: Moves away from score-based shortlisting and incorporates “Notable Contributions” as a key criterion.
- Diverse Recruitment Pathways: Establishes dedicated avenues for hiring experts in arts, sports, and traditional disciplines.
- Inclusive Opportunities: Offers teaching positions to accomplished sportspersons, including persons with disabilities.
- Revised Selection Process for Vice-Chancellors: Expands eligibility criteria for VCs to ensure a transparent and merit-driven process.
- Simplified Promotion Criteria: Focuses on teaching excellence, research contributions, and academic impact.
- Professional Development Initiatives: Encourages continuous faculty development programs.
- Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Introduces reforms to improve governance, recruitment, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
The draft regulations align with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, reflecting a broader vision for modernizing and streamlining India’s higher education sector.
With over 15,000 received suggestions, the UGC is expected to incorporate relevant feedback before releasing the final version of the regulations in the coming months.
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