Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today launched the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, during a significant event in New Delhi. The Minister also inaugurated ‘Pushpagiri,’ a state-of-the-art auditorium built by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Prominent attendees included Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education; Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC; along with senior academicians, institutional heads, and ministry officials.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Pradhan emphasized that the proposed guidelines aim to foster innovation, inclusivity, and dynamism in higher education. He highlighted their role in empowering educators, bolstering academic standards, and achieving excellence in education. Lauding the alignment of the draft with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he congratulated the UGC team for their efforts.

The Minister announced that the draft regulations have been placed in the public domain for stakeholder feedback, urging the academic community to contribute their insights. He expressed optimism that the finalized guidelines would drive transformative changes in higher education and support India’s journey towards “Viksit Bharat 2047” by ensuring high-quality education and research opportunities.

A Tribute to Odisha’s Legacy

Shri Pradhan also commended the UGC for naming its new auditorium ‘Pushpagiri,’ paying homage to the ancient knowledge hub in Odisha. He reflected on Pushpagiri’s historical significance as a symbol of enlightenment and expressed pride in this step to honor India’s intellectual heritage. He envisioned the auditorium as a space for meaningful dialogues and intellectual growth, shaping the country’s academic future.

Key Features of the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025

The draft guidelines introduce groundbreaking reforms designed to enhance higher education in India:

• Flexibility in Appointments: Candidates with NET/SET qualifications can pursue teaching careers in new areas, with a focus on Ph.D. specialization.

• Promoting Indian Languages: Encouragement for academic contributions in Indian languages.

• Holistic Evaluation: Moves away from score-based shortlisting to a broader assessment of qualifications and achievements.

• Inclusivity and Talent Diversity: Dedicated pathways for experts in arts, sports, and traditional disciplines, including opportunities for sportspersons with disabilities.

• Improved Governance: Transparent processes for Vice-Chancellor selection and other administrative roles.

• Streamlined Promotion Processes: Simplified criteria prioritizing teaching quality, research output, and academic contributions.

• Professional Development: Emphasis on skill enhancement through faculty development programs.

The regulations are now open for public consultation, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders at UGC Draft Regulations 2025.

This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to transforming India’s higher education landscape by prioritizing innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence.