Introduction 

• In India, the first attempt to formulate a national system of education in India came in 1944, with the Report of the Central Advisory Board of Education on Post War Educational Development in India, also known as the Sargeant Report. 
• The UGC was formally established as a statutory body in November 1956 through an Act of Parliament. 

What is the History of University Grants Commission? 

• This report recommended the formation of University Grant Commission (UGC) to oversee the work of the three Central Universities of Aligarh, Banaras and Delhi. 
• It has its roots in the rich educational heritage of the country. From ancient centers of learning like Nalanda and Taxila to the modern higher education system, India has always placed great importance on advanced studies. 
• The current higher education framework in India can be traced back to the early 19th century, with key developments including: 
  • 1823: Mountstuart Elphinstone emphasized the need for schools teaching English and European sciences. 
  • 1835: Lord Macaulay advocated for creating proficient English scholars among the native population. 
  • 1854: Sir Charles Wood's Dispatch, known as the 'Magna Carta of English Education in India', recommended a comprehensive education system. 
  • 1857: Establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras. 
  • 1925: Formation of the Inter-University Board (now Association of Indian Universities). 
• Post-independence, the evolution of UGC proceeded as follows: 
  • 1948: University Education Commission set up under Dr. S Radhakrishnan. 
  • 1952: Union Government decided to refer grant allocation cases to UGC. 
  • 1953: UGC formally inaugurated by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on December 28. 
  • 1956: UGC established as a statutory body through an Act of Parliament. 

What is the Mandate of University Grants Commission? 

• Promoting and coordinating university education. 
• Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities. 
• Framing regulations on minimum standards of education. 
• Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges. 
• Serving as a vital link between the Union and state governments and institutions of higher learning. 
• Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for improvement of university education. 

What is the Composition of University Grants Commission? 

• As per Section 5 of the University Grant Commission Act, 1956 the Commission would consist of the following: 
  • Chairman (currently Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar) 
  • Vice Chairman (currently Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava) 
  • 10 other members to be appointed by Central Government. 

What are the Functions of University Grants Commission? 

• Section 12 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 lays down the functions of University Grants Commission. Some of the functions of UGC are as follows: 
  • Inquire into the financial needs of Universities. 
  • Allocate and disburse out of the Fund of the Commission, such grants to institution deemed to be Universities in pursuance of a declaration made by the Central Government under section, as it may deem necessary, for one or more of the following purposes, namely:-  
    •  for maintenance in special cases 
    •  for development 
    •  for any other general or specified purpose 
  • recommend to any University the measures necessary for the improvement of University education and advise the University upon the action to be taken for the purpose of implementing such recommendation. 

What are the Key Initiatives of University Grants Commission? 

• Academic Integrity and Research Quality 
  • The UGC launched a "Quality Mandate" initiative to promote high-quality research and new knowledge creation by faculty.  
  • As part of this, they established the Consortium for Academic Research and Ethics (CARE) to enhance research capacity, culture, integrity and publication ethics in Indian universities and colleges.  
• Internationalization of Higher Education 
  • The UGC released guidelines for internationalizing Indian higher education, in line with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP).  
  • These guidelines outline strategies like developing internationally relevant curriculum, building the brand of Indian institutions abroad, fostering academic collaborations with foreign universities, enabling credit recognition for twinning programs, and promoting a global citizenship approach.  
  • The aim is to increase the global outreach of Indian higher education institutions. 
• Multiple Entry and Exit in Academic Programs 
  • New guidelines allow flexible entry and exit options in academic programs. 
  • This system enables students to choose customized learning paths, obtain various certification options, and move seamlessly between institutions through credit transfers.  
  • It aims to reduce dropout rates, improve enrollment, and allow students to seek employment after any level of certification before returning to upgrade qualifications. 
• Academic Bank of Credits 
  • Introduced in the year 2021, Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) facilitates the academic mobility of students across higher education institutions. Key features include: 
    • Allows institutions to maintain integrity of credits 
    • Ensures authenticity and confidentiality of student credits 
    • Enables easy credit transfer through digital mode 
    • Facilitates faster credit recognition 
    • Educational Framework for Global Citizenship 
• Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 
  • CUET was introduced in the year 2022 as a single entrance exam for admission to undergraduate programs across all central universities.  
  • It aims to provide equal opportunities to candidates nationwide, especially from rural areas, and establish better connections with universities. 
• Pursuing Two Academic Programs Simultaneously 
  • In line with NEP 2020's vision for flexible and interdisciplinary education, UGC now allows students to pursue two academic programs simultaneously.  
  • This enables creative combinations of disciplines and multiple entry/exit points. 
  • UGC notified this in April 2022.  
• Academic Collaboration with Foreign Institutions 
  • New regulations allow Indian universities to collaborate with foreign higher education institutions to offer twinning, joint degree and dual degree programs.  
  • This aims to promote academic excellence and help Indian institutions achieve higher global rankings. 
• Accessibility Guidelines for Higher Education 
  • UGC introduced guidelines to ensure inclusion and equal participation of persons with disabilities in higher education institutions.  
  • These cover aspects from admission to course completion, aiming to create barrier-free environments. 
• Transforming Institutions into Multidisciplinary Hubs 
  • NEP 2020 envisions transforming higher education institutions into multidisciplinary universities, colleges and knowledge hubs.  
  • This includes research-intensive universities, teaching-intensive universities, and degree-awarding autonomous colleges.