The University Grants Commission (UGC) is India’s main regulatory body for higher education, functioning under the Ministry of Education.
It was established in 1956 with the goal of coordinating, establishing, and upholding standards for instruction, testing, and research in all of the nation's institutions. The UGC is crucial in determining how universities operate and how higher education quality is maintained.
The UGC's ability to recognise colleges and universities is one of its main functions. It establishes requirements for courses, faculty credentials, and academic standards and determines which universities are qualified to provide degrees.
Additionally, the UGC provides grants and financial aid to universities, assisting them in enhancing their facilities, research, and quality of instruction. It establishes rules for things like admissions, tests, online learning, and academic reforms.
The UGC has played a significant role in implementing major reforms, such as encouraging greater autonomy for universities, introducing credit-based frameworks, and facilitating online and blended learning opportunities. Its policies have a direct impact on millions of students and educators across central, state, and private universities.
Recently, the UGC has garnered attention due to a controversy surrounding its anti-discrimination regulations. The commission proposed new draft guidelines aimed at preventing discrimination in higher education institutions based on factors such as caste, gender, religion, or disability. Although the intention behind this move was to enhance inclusion and ensure student safety, critics and teachers' organisations expressed concerns regarding ambiguous definitions and the potential for misuse. Furthermore, some universities raised questions about the extent of the UGC's authority to enforce such regulations.
The discussion has ignited broader conversations about campus rights, the autonomy of institutions, and their accountability. In general, the UGC continues to be a significant authority whose decisions heavily impact the higher education system in India.
Sunetra Pawar is set to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday at 5 pm, according to sources. She has accepted the proposal for her elevation and will continue to handle the Excise and Sports ministries.
On this Special Report, host Preeti Choudhry leads a debate on the 'Political Stock Exchange' regarding the controversial 2026 UGC norms. Following a Supreme Court stay on the regulations, Choudhry presents a snap poll conducted by Sea Water exploring public sentiment across different caste and age groups. The data reveals a significant divide, with 80% of upper-caste respondents viewing the reforms as 'anti-upper caste' and 65% of students fearing increased campus casteism. Political analyst Ashutosh questions the data's representative nature, stating, 'This reaction is purely casteist reaction,' while expressing surprise at the speed of the Supreme Court's intervention. The programme features insights from Rajat Sethi, Professor Chandra Bhushan Sharma, and Professor Suraj Yengde, analyzing whether these reforms represent genuine equity or an electoral risk for the government. The discussion highlights the deep-seated caste dynamics in Indian academia and the legal challenges facing the Centre's new educational framework.
This news report covers the intensifying protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following the Supreme Court's decision to stay the new University Grants Commission (UGC) equity regulations. The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) is leading the demonstrations, claiming that 'caste based discrimination at universities have surged in the last few years' despite the legal intervention. The Supreme Court observed that certain provisions of the regulations were ambiguous and 'too sweeping,' potentially reversing decades of progress toward a casteless society. The stay on these new norms implies a temporary return to the 2012 regulations until the government formulates updated guidelines. The programme highlights the friction between student bodies and the judicial ruling, featuring visuals of the protests recorded on the JNU campus. The report also mentions a data analytics segment titled 'Political Stock Exchange' to gauge public sentiment regarding the controversial UGC norms and the subsequent legal stay by the top court.
The India Today-CVoter 'Mood of the Nation' poll, a comprehensive survey with a sample size of over 90,000 participants, indicates and highlights the public's perception of economic management, where 54% of respondents prefer Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the economy compared to 36% for former PM Dr Manmohan Singh.
Why did the UGC bring new equity regulations in 2026 — and why did campuses erupt in protest?
On this Special Report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal discusses the Supreme Court's significant decision to stay the University Grants Commission (UGC) 2026 equity regulations. The apex court described the new norms as 'prima facie vague and prone to misuse,' providing major relief to protesting students. During the hearing, the court expressed concerns that the regulations could lead to a societal divide, stating, 'Hope we don't divide campuses like America.' The programme explores the legal and political fallout of this 'judicial bombshell' on the central government, featuring insights from legal correspondent Srishti Ojha and ground reports from Delhi University. While the government faces a January 19 deadline to submit a detailed response, students remain divided; some fear the birth of 'reverse discrimination' while others advocate for clearer safeguards against historical caste-based exclusion. The report also touches upon the upcoming budget with a glimpse of an interview with Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran regarding trade deals and the Indian rupee.
This special report explores the growing tension at Delhi University following the introduction of new University Grants Commission (UGC) norms aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination. Students protesting the regulations expressed fears of 'reverse discrimination' and the potential weaponisation of complaints, with one student stating, 'The burden of proof will come on the general caste.' Conversely, other students and faculty members defended the norms as a necessary step toward social inclusion, questioning why an act intended to stop discrimination is being viewed as an attack on specific groups. The report, filed by Anjali Pandey, highlights a significant clash of perceptions on campus, where one side views the rules as a correction of historical injustice while the other fears a new sense of exclusion. The programme examines whether policy makers can successfully ensure campus inclusion without deepening existing social divides or creating fresh grievances among the student body.
On this Special Report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal discusses the Supreme Court's decision to stay the new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The top court raised significant concerns regarding discrimination in higher educational institutions, questioning if the new rules are 'taking us towards a regressive direction' after 75 years of independence. Legal correspondent Srishti Ojha highlights the court's intent to move toward a classless society where unity is visible in educational institutions rather than segregation. The discussion also features insights from Aishwarya Paliwal on the Centre's 'catch-22' situation as it prepares a detailed response for the 19th deadline. The government is reportedly wary of potential rollbacks and is focusing on the implementation strategy of the guidelines. The programme explores the legal and political fallout of the controversy as the Centre and UGC are mandated to respond to the court's observations regarding the potential for institutional isolation.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Supreme Court's interim stay on the new equity guidelines introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The court observed that the intervention was necessary as the 'new guidelines are capable of dividing the society'. While the central government provided assurances against the misuse of these regulations, the bench emphasized that the mere possibility of a provision being prone to misuse warrants judicial scrutiny to ensure laws remain uniform and applicable to all sections of society. The court has issued notices to both the Centre and the UGC, seeking their responses to the petitions. Furthermore, the Supreme Court clarified that while the new guidelines are stayed, the 2012 regulations will continue to be enforced. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in March, where the vision of a 'caste-less society' and the unity of India's higher institutions will remain central to the legal discourse.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating protests at Delhi University against the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new equity regulations. Students from the general category have labeled the norms a 'black law,' expressing fears of 'reverse discrimination' and the potential weaponisation of complaints due to confidential identities and the shifted burden of proof. National Students' Union of India (NSUI) President Varun Choudhary defended the regulations, stating, 'We are about equality, talking about equality,' while highlighting that 70% of OBC professor vacancies remain unfilled due to systemic discrimination. The programme examines the clash of perceptions between those viewing the norms as a correction of historical injustice and those fearing new forms of exclusion. The report also notes political friction, with the BJP attacking Congress's support for the norms while citing Prime Minister Modi's 10% EWS quota for the upper-caste poor as the alternative approach to inclusive growth.
On this report, the focus is on the Supreme Court of India's significant decision to stay the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new equity guidelines. The bench, including the Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakant, and Justice Joy Malia Bagchi, observed that the new regulations are 'capable of dividing society' and could have a 'grave impact' on national unity. The court questioned the inclusion of separate clauses for discrimination and expressed concern over whether the country is 'losing the gains towards classless society' made over 75 years. Until further orders, the 2012 guidelines will remain in force. The Centre and the UGC have been asked to respond to petitions filed by various groups, including the savarna classes represented by Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who argue the norms discriminate against the general category. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on March 19th.
On this news report, the focus is on the Supreme Court of India's scathing observations regarding the 2026 UGC regulations. The top court stayed the new norms, questioning if the country is 'losing gains of 75 years' and moving in a 'regressive direction' by using vague language prone to misuse. Varun Choudhary, President of the Congress youth wing NSUI, stated, 'this is mostly seen that it happens more with SC, ST and OBC' while clarifying that the NSUI stands against all forms of discrimination. The broadcast highlights the court's concern over campus unity and the potential for catastrophic damage if guidelines are not accurately drafted. The 2012 regulations will continue to remain in effect as the court seeks expert opinion for a redraft. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on 19th March, as stakeholders from the BJP, Congress, and student communities react to the potential for internal rifts and the necessity for robust equity guidelines in higher education.
This report covers the escalating protests at Delhi University against the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new regulations aimed at promoting equity in higher education. Students and faculty are divided over the impact of these norms, with some demanding a total rollback. One student expressed concern about the social implications, stating, 'If there is friendship, then it will be by looking at the caste.' Critics of the regulations argue that the burden of proof now falls on the general category, potentially leading to false accusations and a sense of insecurity. Conversely, some professors support the move, viewing it as a necessary step to dismantle historical caste discrimination and dehumanization on campuses. The report highlights a significant clash of perceptions, questioning whether policy makers can achieve genuine inclusion without fostering new forms of exclusion among the student body.
On this Special Report, legal correspondent Srishti Ojha details the Supreme Court's decision to stay the new University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines concerning caste-based discrimination in higher education. The court observed that the language used in the new norms was 'vague' and potentially 'regressive,' risking a societal divide rather than fostering inclusivity. Srishti Ojha notes the court's concern: 'We have been trying to go towards a more casteless society... But aren't we in a way with these guidelines going into a more regressive direction?' The bench highlighted that the current definition of discrimination excludes non-reserved categories, leaving them without recourse in instances like ragging. The Supreme Court has suggested the Centre form a committee of experts to refine the language and ensure a more equitable approach. Until further clarification, the 2012 UGC guidelines will remain in force to protect students across all Indian educational institutions.
On this Special Report, Legal Editor Nalini Sharma discusses the Supreme Court's significant intervention regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. The apex court has stayed the 2026 regulations, effectively bringing the 2012-2020 guidelines back into force to ensure no victim is left 'remedialess' regardless of their caste or background. Nalini Sharma notes that the court observed these guidelines have the 'capability of dividing the society' and emphasized the need to move towards a 'caste-less society after 75 years of independence.' The bench has directed parties to avoid political arguments, focusing instead on constitutional equality. The central government and the UGC are expected to submit their responses by the next hearing scheduled for the 19th of March. The programme examines whether the government will defend the current provisions or seek to tweak them to align with the court's observations on non-discrimination and social cohesion.
On this news report, Aishwarya Paliwal provides updates on the Supreme Court's observations regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The top court raised critical questions, asking, 'Are we losing gains of 75 years? Are we going in the regressive direction?' The bench emphasized that India's unity must be reflected on campuses and noted a lack of experts to clarify the UGC's language. The discussion highlights growing anger and protests among students, with concerns that the new rules might divide the student population or bias against non-reserved categories. Aishwarya Paliwal notes that political parties like the Samajwadi Party and TMC are closely monitoring the situation, while the Education Ministry maintains there is no scope for misuse. The court has suggested forming a committee of legal and academic experts to rework the framework for equity. The next hearing is scheduled for 19th March, as the government mulls over whether to replace or robustly reform the current UGC framework.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the Supreme Court of India's hearing regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2026. A bench led by the Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakant, raised critical questions about the direction of Indian society, stating, 'after 75 years of independence, we should have been moving towards caste-less society.' The court is currently examining the legality and constitutionality of these regulations, which have been challenged for being discriminatory against general categories. The petitioners argue that since discrimination is already defined, specific provisions for SC/ST or OBC categories are unnecessary, advocating for a caste-neutral approach. The bench further emphasized that higher educational institutions must reflect the unity of India, contrasting the Indian model with racial segregation seen in Western countries. The court also highlighted concerns regarding regional discrimination, such as students from South India facing bias in Northern institutions. The hearing remains underway as the top court evaluates if these guidelines represent a regression in India's social progress.
UGC’s new equity rules have triggered an unusual backlash from the right wing.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP and senior party leader Arvind Sawant paid an emotional tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday, describing him as a “trustworthy man” and a “man of his words.”
This news report examines the intense controversy surrounding the new UGC 2026 equity norms aimed at curbing campus discrimination. While the Congress student wing, NSUI, has welcomed the move, stating 'it's important to address discrimination on campus,' students from general categories have labeled the law 'draconian,' fearing it may divide classrooms along class lines. The regulations, influenced by a parliamentary committee chaired by Digvijay Singh and following Supreme Court directions, explicitly include disability and OBC harassment as grounds for discrimination. The bulletin highlights that while groups like ABVP seek more clarity, others like the Left-leaning AISA question the implementation. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured that the law will not be misused and emphasizes the government's commitment to fairness. The report also notes political escalations, including protests at the UGC headquarters and the resignation of an SDM in Uttar Pradesh, as the debate over a potential caste census continues to influence the discourse.
