On 13-1-2026, the University Grants Commission (‘UGC’) notified the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity across all higher education institutions.
What does UGC Regulation 2026 say
The UGC Regulation 2026 is notified in alignment with the National Education Policy (‘NEP’) 2020, which identifies full equity and inclusion as a foundational pillar of education reforms. UGC’s new framework is designed to ensure that students and staff experience a campus environment free from discrimination and are provided equal opportunity.
Who all are covered under the Regulation
As per Regulation 1(b), these Regulations apply to all Higher Education Institutions (‘HEIs’) across the country.
What does ‘discrimination’ mean
The Regulation clearly prohibit discrimination based on religion, caste, race, gender, place of birth, or disability, ensuring that all stakeholders experience a safe, fair, and supportive educational environment.
They also prioritise the protection of SC, ST, OBC, EWS and Persons with Disabilities (‘PwD’), and aim to promote full equity and inclusion among all stakeholders in higher education institutions.
What is ‘Equity’
Equity means giving everyone a fair chance, so no one is held back because of who they are or where they come from.
What are HEIs’ equity duties?
-
Under these new rules HEIs are responsible for creating a fair, inclusive, and discrimination free environment for all students and staff.
-
They will actively work to eliminate discrimination and take both protective and preventive steps to safeguard individuals from bias related to caste, religion, gender, language, ethnicity, or disability.
-
HEIs are also required to promote equal opportunities and ensure that every stakeholder is treated with dignity and fairness.
-
The Head of the Institution carries the primary duty of enforcing these regulations and has full authority to make sure they are properly followed.
-
All institutions will run a 24×7 Equity Helpline to support stakeholders facing distress due to discrimination. The confidentiality of informants will be highly guaranteed.
What is Equal Opportunity Centre
-
Equal Opportunity Centre (‘EOC’) is a campus body that ensures fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all students and staff while addressing discrimination issues.
-
Every HEI is now required to set up an EOC, responsible for:
-
Implementing equity related policies and programmes
-
Providing academic, financial, and socio emotional guidance
-
Building a socially inclusive, diverse campus environment
-
Assisting marginalized groups
-
Maintaining an online portal for reporting discrimination
-
-
Institutions with less than 5 members can depend on the university’s EOC.
-
The EOC will be supported by an Equity Committee with representation from:
-
Senior faculty
-
Non-teaching staff
-
Civil society experts
-
Student representatives
-
Members of disadvantaged groups, including women and PwD
-
-
To ensure proactive monitoring:
-
Each department, school, hostel, and facility will have an Equity Ambassador.
-
Institutions will also form Equity Squads, mobile teams that frequently monitor vulnerable locations on campus.
-
-
Institutions will be required to guarantee fairness in:
-
Admissions
-
Hostel allotment
-
Classroom allocation
-
Mentorship groups
-
Administrative or academic selections
-
What is the undertaking requirement
Under Regulation 7(a), every student, faculty member, and staff member will submit an undertaking at the time of admission, renewal, or joining, declaring that they will promote equity and not engage in any form of discrimination. This written commitment is mandatory for all stakeholders and serves as a foundational step toward building a discrimination free campus environment.
What is the procedure to file complaints
-
Complaints will be filed online, in writing, through email, or via the helpline.
-
The Equity Committee will meet within 24 hours of receiving a report.
-
The committee will submit its findings within 15 working days.
-
The Head of Institution will be required to act within 7 working days.
-
Appeals can be filed before the Ombudsperson within 30 days.
-
Cases that fall under criminal law will be forwarded immediately to police authorities.
What is the monitoring mechanism of UGC
Under Regulation 10, UGC will create a National-level Monitoring Committee to:
-
Review implementation
-
Undertake campus visits
-
Recommend corrective measures
-
Address recurring patterns of discrimination
What are the consequences of Non-compliance by HEIs
-
HEIs failing to comply with the regulations will face serious penalties, under Regulation 11, including:
-
Debarment from UGC schemes
-
Suspension of degree granting privileges
-
Prohibition on running ODL/online programmes
-
Removal from UGC’s Sections 2(f) and 12B list
-
-
UGC will impose additional punitive actions depending on the severity of non-‘compliance.
What are the gaps of the UGC Regulation 2026
There are conflicts over various parts of the Regulation as it appears uneven or unclear in how they treat different groups. The Equity Committee is required to include members from SC, ST, OBC, women, and PwD, but the regulation does not mention representation for the general/unreserved category, which some see as unequal. The Regulation also does not specify any penalty for false or malicious complaints, creating concerns about possible misuse. These gaps make some stakeholders feel the rules may not apply uniformly to everyone on campus.