If you are studying in college or university or preparing for further higher education, then you must have heard the name of UGC. But very few people know how this organization works, what powers it has and how it keeps an eye on thousands of colleges and universities in the country. Today let us tell you the complete story of UGC, one of the most important institutions of India’s higher education system.

UGC is a statutory body of the Government of India. It was started in 1953 and got legal status in 1956 under an Act of Parliament. Its main function is to maintain the level of university education in the country and to set rules for higher education institutions. UGC is the regulator of India’s higher education system. Just as there are different boards in school education, similarly UGC monitors college and university level education.

How does UGC work?

UGC does not directly go to colleges to provide education, but sets rules and standards. This organization ensures that the level of studies, examinations, research and teaching in universities is as per the set standards. UGC issues new guidelines from time to time. Universities and colleges have to follow these rules. If any institution does not follow the rules, action can also be taken against it.

How do universities get accreditation?

UGC recognition is very important for any university. When a new university starts, it has to prove that it has qualified teachers, adequate resources, library, labs and other necessary facilities. UGC examines all these aspects. Even after getting recognition, monitoring of institutions continues. This is the reason why students are always advised to take admission only in UGC approved institutions.

Also read – Campuses of three more foreign universities will open in India, admission will start in Mumbai and Bengaluru from 2026.

How does UGC take action against fake universities?

Every year some institutions try to mislead students by calling themselves universities. In such cases, UGC investigates and releases the list of fake institutions. Even in 2026, UGC had identified many fake universities across the country and alerted students and parents. Degrees from such institutions are not valid for jobs and higher education.

UGC also gives funds to universities
One of the major tasks of UGC is to provide financial assistance to universities and colleges. UGC provides grants to many government universities and research projects. However, only those institutions are eligible for this assistance which meet the standards set by UGC.

Who is currently heading the UGC?
Presently Vineet Joshi holds the additional charge of Chairperson of UGC (University Grants Commission). He is a 1992 batch IAS officer and is known for his long administrative experience in the education sector. Before this, he has also served on important positions like Chairman of CBSE and Director General of NTA. The special thing is that Vineet Joshi is not an academician but a senior bureaucrat. Although many former chairpersons of UGC have been academicians associated with the education and research sector, currently the responsibility of this important institution is being handled by an experienced administrative officer, who is monitoring various policy and administrative functions related to the higher education system of the country. Former Chairman M Jagadish Kumar has been a well-known name in the higher education sector. He has also previously been the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Also read – Huge shortage of staff in NMC, questions on transparency and allegations of corruption; Medical students are suffering the consequences

Education Loan Information:
Calculate Education Loan EMI

On January 13, the University Grants Commission notified the new rules and this sparked protests from a section of universities across the country. Demonstrations took place in many states, debates broke out and sharp reactions came to the change in the law. There had been protests in Delhi University too regarding this new rule, but what happened on February 13 in the North Campus turned this controversy into a new and biggest uproar so far.

After all, what happened in the campus that day that the matter reached the police station from the road. How the conflict between the two parties escalated and through what turns this entire incident has gone through so far. Let us understand the whole matter step by step.

What is the whole matter?

On 13 February, a protest took place at the Arts Faculty of Delhi University against the UGC’s new caste-based anti-discrimination rules, which turned into a political controversy. Student organization AISA alleged that its workers received threats, while a YouTuber woman claimed harassment and assault. Police have registered FIR from both sides on 14th February.

According to the police, complaints have been received from both the parties and CCTV footage is being scrutinized to confirm the incident. Wherever necessary, medical examination has also been conducted. Officials said that a cross FIR has been registered under sections 74, 115(2), 126(2) and 3(5) of BNS.

These sections include assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman, causing hurt, wrongful restraint and crimes with similar intent. Police say that further action will be taken based on the facts. At present the investigation is going on and statements of both the parties are being recorded.

What are AISA’s allegations?

AISA said in an official statement that during the movement some people tried to spoil the atmosphere. The organization alleges that the YouTuber woman already has a controversial image and she harassed a Dalit journalist, after which the activists intervened. AISA claims that in the viral video, the YouTuber woman is seen attacking a journalist and then punching a worker.

On the other hand, the YouTuber woman said that she had come to cover the protest as a journalist. He alleges that the mob demanded him to tell his caste and then attacked him. He claimed that two women held his hands, someone strangled him from behind and an attempt was made to tear his clothes. According to Tiwari, she was also threatened with rape and being paraded naked.

There was an altercation outside the police station between the two parties who came to file the complaint.

AISA says that when the activists reached Morris Nagar police station to lodge a complaint, the crowd already present there abused and threatened to kill them. The organization alleges that the workers were kept inside the police station for several hours. Allegedly provocative slogans were also raised outside.

The entire incident has sparked debate about the security of the university campus and freedom of expression. Police say that a fair investigation will be conducted on the basis of video evidence and witnesses. Only after investigation will it be clear which party is responsible for the violence and alleged molestation.

DU Vice Chancellor’s statement

DU Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh has condemned the clash in the university. He said that this incident is very worrying and such incidents should not happen. We talk about unity in diversity, about living together, but if we stop considering humans as humans, then there is no point in reading books. He said that if we are not able to understand the helplessness in the eyes of a girl, then what will be the meaning of our education and understanding. It is important to express concern and sorrow over this incident.

Concern and opposition has been expressed from many sections regarding the new rules of the University Grants Commission (UGC) related to promoting equality in higher educational institutions. Meanwhile, President Draupadi Murmu said on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) that the government is working with full sensitivity for Dalits, backward classes, deprived and tribal communities.

Today 95 crore people of the country got social security cover: President

Addressing the joint meeting of both the Houses of Parliament on the occasion of the beginning of the budget session, President Draupadi Murmu said that the concept of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is bringing positive changes in the lives of all the citizens of the country. He said that in the beginning of 2014, social security schemes could reach only 25 crore citizens, but due to the continuous efforts of my government, today about 95 crore Indians of the country have got the cover of social security.

He said that my government is working with full sensitivity for the Dalits, backward classes, deprived and tribal communities. However, during this time he did not directly mention the issue of University Grants Commission (UGC).

Baba Saheb Ambedkar always laid emphasis on equality: President

President Draupadi Murmu said, ‘The architect of the Constitution, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar always emphasized on equality and social justice. Our Constitution also inspires us in this spirit. He emphasized that social justice means that every citizen gets the opportunity to exercise his full rights without any discrimination.

He said, ‘The government is fully committed to fulfilling the true meaning of social justice and as a result, 25 crore citizens have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade. In the third term of my government, the campaign to empower the poor has progressed at a faster pace. My government is institutionalizing transparency and honesty in all systems.

Also read: Petition of candidates seeking minority reservation by religious conversion rejected, SC said – this is a new type of fraud.

A fake notice went viral on social media after an air strike on terrorist bases in Pakistan and POJK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) by the Indian Air Force. In this notice, it was claimed that there are “war -like conditions” in the country and all examinations have been canceled. Also, students were advised to return home immediately. This rumor spread panic between students and parents.

However, the University Grants Commission (UGC) immediately reacted to this, saying that this notice is completely fake and students should not believe any kind of wrong information.

The exam is not canceled

Posting from its official X account, UGC wrote, “A fake public notice in the name of UGC is going viral, stating that all examinations have been canceled. We clarify that UGC has not made any such announcement. This notice is completely fake.”

Fake Notice Alert

A Fabricated Public Notice is Being Circulated under the name UGC, Claiming that all exams are canceled due to a war situation and advising students to return home.

UGC confirms this notice is fake. There are no such directions from UGC.

All… pic.twitter.com/jhslq3ubup

– UGC India (@UGC_India) May 7, 2025

On behalf of the UGC, it was said that all official information is released only on the UGC website and social media handles. Spreading such rumors is a legal offense and strict action can be taken against it.

Rumor spread after Operation Sindoor

This fake notice went viral just after Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Army made accurate attacks on 9 terrorist bases in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April. In these locations, the top terrorists of organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) were present.

Appeal to students

UGC has appealed to all students and parents to rely only on official sources and stay away from rumors. Exams will be according to the scheduled schedule.

ALSO READ- Operation Sindoor: Desire to become an increased fighter pilot after ‘Operation Sindoor’, know how to become warriors of Indian Air Force

Education loan information:
Calculate Education Loan Emi