The University Grants Commission (UGC), on January 13, 2026, notified the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, in exercise of its powers under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, in supersession of the earlier 2012 regulations, with the objective of strengthening equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination in higher education across India.
The regulations aim to eradicate discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability, with particular focus on safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, socially and educationally backward classes, economically weaker sections, and persons with disabilities, in line with the principles of the National Education Policy, 2020. They apply to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including universities, colleges, and deemed universities.
Under the regulations, every HEI is mandated to promote equity, prevent and eliminate discrimination, and establish institutional mechanisms such as Equity Committees, Equal Opportunity Centres, and Equity Helplines, with the Head of the Institution being responsible for ensuring compliance and effective implementation from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
[Notification No. 1-7/2011(SCT)]
