Back2Basics: University Grants Commission (UGC)

• UGC was inaugurated in 1953 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, then Minister of Education.
• it was established as a statutory body in November 1956 under the UGC Act 1956.
  • The Sargeant Report (1944) recommended a University Grants Committee, established in 1945, initially handling all universities by 1947.
  • Post-independence, the University Education Commission (1948) under Dr. S Radhakrishnan proposed reorganizing the committee along the lines of the UK’s University Grants Commission.
• A proposal to replace UGC with the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is under consideration.
• UGC handles:

• • Providing funds to higher education institutions.
  • Coordination, determination, and maintenance of academic standards.

• To reform India’s higher education system.
• To introduce flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and inclusivity in higher education while removing disciplinary rigidities.

• Biannual Admissions: Institutions can admit students twice a year (July/August and January/February).
• Multiple Entry and Exit: Students can enter or exit their programs multiple times, with continuous assessments, recognition of prior learning, and the possibility to pursue two programs at the same time.
• Flexibility for Students: Students can choose any discipline for UG and PG programs, irrespective of their background, subject to clearing entrance exams (e.g., CUET or university-specific exams).
• Minimum Attendance Requirement: Institutions will set the minimum attendance based on program-specific requirements and statutory approvals, in line with the NEP 2020.
• UG Degree Credits: At least 50% of credits must be earned in the major discipline for an undergraduate degree. The remaining 50% credits can be from skill courses, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.
• Duration of Degrees: UG degrees can be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on the course structure. PG degrees will typically take 1 to 2 years, though they can be longer or shorter based on the program.

• ADP (Accelerated Degree Programs): Allows students to complete their degree in a shorter duration while covering the full curriculum.
• EDP (Extended Degree Programs): Extends the duration for students who need more time to complete the program.
  • Up to 10% of the sanctioned intake can be earmarked for ADP. Students can choose ADP or EDP by the end of the first or second semester.
  • ADP/EDP degrees will include a note specifying the adjusted duration, while ensuring the full academic content is covered.
• Postgraduate Eligibility: Students completing a four-year undergraduate degree (Hons./Research, BTech, BE) will be eligible for a two-year postgraduate program.

PYQ:

[2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education?

1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies
3. Fifth Schedule
4. Sixth Schedule
5. Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5