In India, we have one thousand universities and fifty thousand colleges that provide higher education to lakhs of students. The administration of these universities and colleges is regulated by councils like the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Medical Council (NMC) and 12 others. All renowned universities and colleges come under UGC, wherein UGC is responsible for disbursing grants to universities and frame regulations on minimum standards of higher education. Nevertheless, it regulates higher education institutes that teach general subjects, and hence UGC is vested with two powers. These varsities and colleges are bound to adhere to UGC norms of teaching standards, financial resources, teaching facilities and infrastructure to become UGC Approved Colleges or Universities.
Full-Form of UGC
UGC or the University Grants Commission or Committee, India, is an Indian Union Government initiative compliant with the UGC act 1956 Under the Ministry of Human Resources Development and affiliated to the Ministry of Higher Education. The responsibilities of the commission boil down to coordination, determination and vetting of standards of higher education all across the country. The commission managed to form its headquarters in Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi and regional centers in major states like Hyderabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, Pune, Guwahati and Kolkata to decentralize various operations.
History of University Grants Commission (UGC)
The commission was initially formed in 1945 to undertake the management of the three central Indian universities of Delhi, Banaras, and Aligarh. Later in 1947, the responsibilities were extended to cover all Indian Universities.
In 1948, under the Chairmanship of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, the University Education Commission was established to evaluate Indian university education and recommended changes to transform education as per the country’s requirements. The proposal was made to reconstitute the general model of UGC as that of the UK.
In 1952, the union government decided that UGC will manage the allocation of grants-in-aid from public funds to the Central and other Universities and Institutions of higher learning. The commission was eventually launched on 28 December 1953 by the late Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister of Education. However, the center has the requisite powers with reference to higher and professional education in 1950, but more power is given to in 1976 after the 42nd amendment was adopted. Officially established in Nov’1956 through the Act of Parliament, UGC works as a statutory body of the Indian government responsible for coordination, determination and maintenance of higher education standards.
As of now, The NAAC or National Assessment and Accreditation Council have the responsibility to evaluate and accredit higher education institutions (HEIs) in India, and this autonomous body is funded by UGC.
Roles of the UGC
The commission has the power to allocate funds to Universities and Institutions of Higher Learning as well as ensuring that these institutions abide by the standards imposed by the commission. Institutions that fail to fall under the category are deemed fake universities or colleges, and the University Grants Commission generates a list of the same regularly. Besides, some other roles of UGC are:
- Promote and coordinate UGC approved universities
- Formulate regulations to set up minimum higher education standards
- Evaluate the advancement n the field of University and College Education
- Organize examination standards for UGC Net, CSIR NET, and ICAR NET etc.
- Maintain Coordination between State Governments, Union governments, and Institutions of Higher Learning
- Make suggestions to the Central and State Governments to bring about positive changes in Higher Education
Besides, to stimulate progression in the education and research sector, the commission imparts fellowship programs, awards, research grants and scholarships. These scholarships provide financial assistance to meritorious students who can contribute to the development of the country.
UGC Mandate
UGC is the only grant-giving commission in India vested with two responsibilities simultaneously. It coordinates, determines, regulates the standards of higher education institutions and provides funds to these institutions.
Future of University Grants Commission (UGC)
In June 2018, the Human Resources Development Ministry proposed its plans to revoke the UGC Act 1956 and come up with a new body. i.e., The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI).
Why do Universities need UGC Recognition?
In India, higher education holds primary worth, and there are thousands of institutions that impart these courses. Effective functioning of these institutions is requisite to upkeep the standard of education. It includes Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, State Private Universities, Institutions of National Importance, Fake Universities. With so many universities and colleges out there, the standard may dwindle if not gauged regularly. For both private and public universities, it’s mandatory to have UGC recognition to run courses and enroll students. One such example of management is that universities can only be called “universities” if established under Provincial Act/ Central Act/ State Act.
To attain UGC recognition, the university has to walk through a formal inspection process conducted by a designated panel selected by UGC. This panel is accounted for inspecting every minute detail and follows an intricate process, making it quite lengthy. Contrary to this, if universities fail to comply with UGC norms, the panel will call off the UGC recognition. Also, UGC recognition is obligatory for public universities to mark their eligibility for financial grants. Therefore, these universities must comply with the norms prescribed by UGC from time to time. Universities that comply with the rules and regulations of UGC are given deemed university status. UGC established the Quality Assurance Council in April 2007 to strengthen its role in quality assurance and contribute to the enhancement of education status. Eventually, it safeguards institutional and academic freedom.
Why should Students seek Admission in UGC Recognized Universities?
UGC recognition validates the authenticity of the university and ensures the degree awarded by them is valid. University Grants Commission publishes detailed inspection reports of universities on its official website. This list is accessible by all and can help students decipher the quality of a particular college or university. Besides, you can also take a look at the list of fake universities in India to abstain from the idea of seeking admission there. The role of UGC in higher education is vast as it supports the same. Ready to get on your education journey? Make sure you start it right.
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