The UGC Draft Regulations 2025 have proposed a transformative shift in India’s higher education system. The draft’s stated focus is on flexibility, inclusivity, and academic autonomy, and it aims to align with the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The draft regulations aim to modernise recruitment and promotion processes while also addressing systemic inefficiencies and ensuring a more dynamic academic ecosystem. These aims and objectives notwithstanding, the proposals have sparked legitimate debates on autonomy, governance, and federalism. The ultimate question is: how effectively can the proposals be implemented?
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the rigid Academic Performance Indicator (API) system, which previously reduced academic contributions to a score. The new approach lays emphasis on holistic evaluation, innovative teaching, research funding, and digital content creation. This is indeed a much-needed departure from a system that often failed to capture the full scope of an educator’s impact. The draft also aims to introduce academic flexibility, which will allow candidates to teach based on their highest specialisation, regardless of their earlier academic background. This will break down disciplinary silos—enabling a more interdisciplinary approach to education. Inclusivity is another cornerstone of the draft. For the first time, there are dedicated pathways for recruiting sportspersons, artists, and individuals with disabilities into teaching roles. This might open up opportunities for talented individuals from diverse fields who were previously overlooked. The encouragement of Indian languages in academic publications and degree programmes is yet another positive step.
However, the proposed changes to the Vice-Chancellor (VC) selection process have drawn sharp criticism. The draft centralises the power to appoint VCs by giving state governors, as chancellors, the authority to form search committees. Many states, especially those governed by opposition parties, see this as an encroachment on their autonomy. While the idea of including non-academics with leadership experience in the VC pool will expand the range of potential candidates, critics fear, and rightly so, that this could lead to politically motivated appointments. Despite these concerns, the inclusion of industry professionals and administrators in academia has the potential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application of the same. As technology is already reshaping the global education landscape, this move, if implemented with right intent and strategy, could help India’s universities become more relevant to the needs of a modern knowledge economy. Its success will also depend on maintaining academic independence and avoiding undue influence from external stakeholders. Past experiences with centralised control have often led to inefficiencies, grievances, and delays. The requirement for institutions to amend their statutes within six months of the draft’s implementation also risks causing administrative disruption unless accompanied by clear guidelines and support. The politicisation of university governance remains a significant area of concern. Conflicts between governors and state governments over VC appointments have highlighted the need for processes that prioritise institutional interests over political considerations. The UGC must work to ensure that these reforms promote collaboration, rather than deepening divisions between the Centre and states.
The UGC’s decision to invite feedback on the draft is a welcome move. This is an opportunity to refine the proposals by incorporating diverse perspectives from academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders. If implemented thoughtfully, the UGC Draft Regulations 2025 could mark a turning point for India’s higher education system. They promise a future where academic contributions are valued beyond rigid metrics, talent from diverse backgrounds is recognised, and institutions are better equipped to meet the demands of a changing world. However, the success of these reforms will ultimately depend on how well they address the concerns of stakeholders and navigate the challenges of governance in the complex federal system of India.