UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026

Indian Law

UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, 13 January 2026

University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026

(UIN: 1/2026)

F. No. 1-7/2011 (SCT)

PREAMBLE

Whereas the University Grants Commission (UGC) is mandated to coordinate and determine standards of higher education in universities;

And whereas the National Education Policy, 2020 recognises full equity and inclusion as foundational principles guiding all educational decisions, ensuring that every student is enabled to thrive within the education system;

And whereas the University Grants Commission is committed to eradicating discrimination in Higher Education Institutions on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability;

And whereas the University Grants Commission seeks to actively promote equity and inclusion in Higher Education Institutions;

Now, therefore, in supersession of the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012, and in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (j) of Section 12 read with clause (g) of sub-section (1) of Section 26 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, the University Grants Commission hereby makes the following Regulations, namely:—

1. Short Title, Application, and Commencement

(a) These Regulations shall be called the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 (UIN: 1/2026).
(b) They shall apply to all Higher Education Institutions in India.
(c) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Objective

To eradicate discrimination solely on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability—particularly against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, socially and educationally backward classes, economically weaker sections, and persons with disabilities—and to promote full equity, inclusion, and dignity among all stakeholders in Higher Education Institutions.

3. Definitions

(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Act” means the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956).
(b) “Aggrieved Person” means any person who has a grievance relating to discrimination under these Regulations.
(c) “Caste-based discrimination” means discrimination solely on the basis of caste or tribe against members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes.
(d) “Commission” means the University Grants Commission established under the Act.
(e) “Discrimination” means any unfair, differential, or biased treatment—explicit or implicit—against any stakeholder on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, disability, or any combination thereof, including acts that impair equality of treatment or violate human dignity.
(f) “Equity” means a level playing field ensuring fair entitlement and equal opportunity for the enjoyment of all legitimate rights.
(g) “Equity Committee” means the committee constituted by the Head of the Institution under these Regulations.
(h) “Equity Helpline” means a helpline established and operated by a Higher Education Institution.
(i) “Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC)” means the centre established under these Regulations by a Higher Education Institution.
(j) “Faculty Members” means teachers employed by a Higher Education Institution.
(k) “Gender” includes male, female, and third gender.
(l) “Grievance” includes any complaint relating to discrimination under these Regulations.
(m) “Head of the Institution” means the Vice-Chancellor, Principal, Director, or such other executive head of the institution.
(n) “Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)” include universities, colleges, and institutions deemed to be universities as defined under the Act.
(o) “Ombudsperson” means the Ombudsperson appointed under the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, as amended from time to time.
(p) “Staff” means employees of an HEI other than faculty members.
(q) “Stakeholders” include students, faculty members, staff, members of the managing committee, and the Head of the Institution.
(r) “Student” means a person enrolled or seeking admission in an HEI through any mode, including formal, ODL, or online education.
(s) “University” shall have the meaning assigned under the Act.

Words and expressions not defined herein but defined in the Act or the General Clauses Act, 1897 shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them therein.

4. Duty to Promote Equity

(1) Every HEI shall—
(a) eradicate discrimination;
(b) promote equity among all stakeholders;
(c) take preventive and protective measures to safeguard stakeholders without prejudice to caste, creed, religion, language, ethnicity, gender, or disability.

(2) No HEI shall permit or condone any form of discrimination.

(3) The Head of the Institution shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with these Regulations and shall have all necessary powers for that purpose.

5. Equal Opportunity Centre

(1) Every HEI shall establish an Equal Opportunity Centre to implement policies for disadvantaged groups, provide academic, financial, and social counselling, and enhance campus diversity.

(2) Where a college lacks the minimum faculty strength to establish an EOC, the functions shall be performed by the EOC of its affiliating university.

(3) The EOC shall coordinate with civil society, local administration, police, media, NGOs, parents, and legal services authorities to achieve the objectives of these Regulations.

(4) A senior faculty member with demonstrated commitment to social equity shall be nominated as Coordinator of the Centre.

(5) An Equity Committee shall be constituted to manage the Centre and inquire into complaints.

(6) The Equity Committee shall consist of:

• Head of the Institution — Chairperson (ex-officio)
• Three senior faculty members
• One non-teaching staff member
• Two civil society representatives
• Two student representatives — Special Invitees
• Coordinator of EOC — Member Secretary (ex-officio)

(7) Adequate representation of women, SCs, STs, OBCs, and persons with disabilities shall be ensured.

(8) Members shall serve for two years; special invitees for one year.

(9) The Committee shall meet at least twice a year.

(10) Functions of the EOC shall include ensuring equity, preventing discrimination, sensitisation, protection against retaliation, dissemination of welfare schemes, maintaining an online complaint portal, and coordinating support for disadvantaged groups.

(11) HEIs shall constitute Equity Squads to monitor and prevent discrimination in vulnerable campus areas.

(12) Equity Ambassadors shall be designated in all institutional units to promote equity and report violations.

(13) The EOC shall publish a bi-annual report by the end of January and July each year on the HEI website.

6. Equity Helpline

(1) Every HEI shall establish a 24×7 Equity Helpline.
(2) The Helpline shall be accessible to all stakeholders.
(3) Confidentiality shall be maintained where requested.

7. Measures for Promotion of Equity

HEIs shall undertake awareness programmes, counselling services, transparent allocation processes, orientation meetings, dissemination of guidelines, and encourage reporting of discrimination with safeguards against retaliation.

8. Procedure in Cases of Discrimination

Complaints may be submitted online, in writing, by email, or through the Equity Helpline. The Equity Committee shall act within prescribed timelines and submit its report to the Head of the Institution, who shall take appropriate action.

9. Appeal

Aggrieved persons may appeal to the Ombudsperson within 30 days. Appeals shall be disposed of expeditiously in accordance with applicable regulations.

10. Monitoring

UGC shall establish monitoring mechanisms, including campus visits and national-level committees, to ensure effective implementation of these Regulations.

11. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliant HEIs may face penalties including debarment from UGC schemes, academic programmes, ODL/online offerings, or removal from recognised lists, along with any additional punitive action deemed necessary.

MANISH JOSHI
Secretary
[ADVT.–III/4/Exty./619/2025-26]