The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced several significant guidelines in 2025 to enhance flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in India’s higher education system. Key developments include:
- Draft Regulations for Faculty Recruitment and Promotion
In January 2025, the UGC released the draft of the “Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025.” These proposed regulations aim to transform faculty recruitment and career progression by:
Academic Flexibility: Allowing candidates to qualify for faculty positions based on their performance in a subject of their choice in UGC-NET, even if their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are in different disciplines. The subject of the Ph.D. degree will take precedence in faculty selections, promoting multidisciplinary transitions.
Holistic Evaluation: Discontinuing the Academic Performance Indicator (API) system, which heavily relied on quantitative metrics, and adopting a more qualitative approach. Selection committees will assess candidates based on notable contributions and broader academic impact, such as innovation in teaching methodologies, technology development, and community engagement.
Inclusivity: Introducing specialized recruitment pathways to attract talent in fields like Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama. Recognizing professional accomplishments and national or international achievements, these provisions ensure that practitioners with exceptional skills can contribute to academia. Additionally, accomplished sportspersons, including those with disabilities, are provided opportunities to join the teaching profession.
Vice-Chancellor Selection: Revising the selection process for vice-chancellors by expanding eligibility criteria to include professionals from academia, research institutions, public policy, public administration, and industry. The regulations provide clear guidelines on the composition of the search-cum-selection committee, tenure, age limits, and eligibility for reappointment.
- Flexible Undergraduate Degree Completion
In November 2024, the UGC announced a new flexible approach in higher education, set to commence from the 2025–26 academic year. This system allows students to:
Accelerated Completion: Complete a four-year undergraduate degree in three years, or a three-year degree in as little as two and a half years, by managing a higher workload.
Extended Duration: Extend a standard three-year degree to four years, and a four-year degree to five years, accommodating students who prefer a slower pace or need to balance personal commitments.
Multiple Entry and Exit Points: Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, this approach offers personalized learning timelines, allowing students to pause and resume their studies without losing previously acquired credits.
These initiatives reflect the UGC’s commitment to implementing the NEP 2020’s vision of a more flexible, inclusive, and student-centric higher education system in India.
Happy Learning…
P.Dheivanai, M. Sc. (Ag.)
SAAI Academy 