UGC to Be Abolished, HECI to Replace It: Education Reforms Trigger Nationwide Debate

The Government of India has initiated a major overhaul of the higher education regulatory framework, setting in motion the process to abolish the University Grants Commission (UGC) and repeal the UGC Act, 1956. In its place, a new regulatory body—the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI)—is set to be established, marking one of the most significant reforms in India’s education sector in decades.

Amid this transition, the UGC notified the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 in the Gazette of India on January 13, 2026, in compliance with a deadline set by the Supreme Court of India. However, the notification sparked widespread protests and sharp reactions across the country, particularly among sections of students and the general category community.

The controversy centred on the formation of a 10-member Equity Committee under the new regulations, where 50 per cent of the members are from reserved categories, while the remaining members include vice-chancellors, assistant professors, eminent citizens, and student representatives—who may belong to the general category. Critics alleged potential bias and misuse of authority, triggering mistrust and intense political discourse.

Supporters of the regulations, however, argue that the uproar is based on assumptions and exaggeration. They contend that questioning the integrity of committee members solely on the basis of caste undermines the very principles of equality and justice. Observers have pointed out that such distrust also casts aspersions on constitutional authorities and academic leaders drawn from diverse backgrounds.

Against this backdrop, the government has moved forward with structural reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSAB), 2025, approved by the Union Cabinet in December 2025, aims to replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with HECI.

The HECI will function through four verticals: regulation (NHERC), accreditation (NAC), funding (HEGC), and academic standards (GEC). The reform seeks to reduce bureaucratic interference, end the “inspection raj,” and grant greater autonomy to higher education institutions.