UGC Reforms Set to Transform Higher Education from 2025
JALANDHAR, April 29:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a fresh set of guidelines for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, effective from 2025. These reforms aim to make India’s higher education system more flexible, inclusive, and aligned with global standards.
Dr. Rajesh Bagga, Director of Apeejay Institute of Management and Engineering, Jalandhar, shares his perspective on these landmark changes and their transformative impact on the academic ecosystem.
Greater Flexibility for Students
One of the most promising features of the new guidelines is the introduction of multiple entry and exit options for students. This will allow learners to pause and resume their studies without losing academic progress.
The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) will enable students to store and transfer academic credits across institutions, fostering dual degrees and interdisciplinary learning.
These reforms are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, designed to ensure that students graduate with industry-ready skills and a more personalized educational experience.
Diverse Leadership and Transparent Governance
The new policy also redefines the criteria for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. By including professionals from public administration, industry, and policy backgrounds, the guidelines aim to broaden leadership and encourage strategic thinking in universities.
Moreover, enhanced focus on transparency and accountability in faculty recruitment, promotions, and grievance redressal will help build an academic culture rooted in trust, merit, and fairness.
Institutional Autonomy and Innovation
While there are debates on the centralisation of control, Dr. Bagga believes that the reforms ultimately offer greater autonomy to institutions.
At Apeejay Institute in Jalandhar, these ideas are already in practice. The campus promotes flexible learning through credit banking, skill-based curricula, and encourages faculty specialisation and transparent governance.
“Our goal is to prepare well-rounded, future-ready individuals,” says Dr. Bagga, “and these UGC reforms align perfectly with our vision.”
A Visionary Leap for Indian Education
While the full implementation of these reforms may come with challenges, experts agree that the UGC’s 2025 guidelines represent a visionary leap forward. By promoting academic flexibility, leadership diversity, and institutional accountability, the new framework is poised to reshape the future of higher education in India.
