UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar on Thursday, January 9, said the proposed UGC Draft Regulations 2025 are designed to enhance clarity, efficiency, and transparency in faculty recruitment while aligning with the nation’s educational needs and ensuring quality in higher education.

“The draft regulation that we are bringing are inclusive and meet the need of our country. Our regulation clearly say that shortlisting and selecting the faculty, the whole process must be transparent,” Kumar said.

The Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, released the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, earlier this week.

One significant proposal in the new regulations is allowing candidates with a postgraduate (PG) degree in ME or MTech, with at least 55% marks, to apply for the post of assistant professor without the requirement of clearing the UGC-NET exam, which is currently mandatory.

The UGC draft regulations, approved during a UGC meeting on December 23, 2024, also aim to streamline the process for appointing vice-chancellors (VCs). Kumar clarified, “The 2018 UGC regulations already stated that the governor or chancellor makes the appointments of vice-chancellors. The only change in the new regulations pertains to who will set up the committee. This adjustment is intended to bring more clarity and make decisions smoother.”

He highlighted the need for collaboration, stating, “For the sake of students, all stakeholders must come together. These regulations will pave the way for improved quality education in the country.” He also reiterated UGC’s openness to suggestions, urging state governments to provide feedback before the February 5 deadline.

When asked about the delay in appointing a vice-chancellor for Anna University, Kumar said, “Our aim is to ensure there are no delays in VC appointments. The new regulations will establish a robust system for such appointments.”

Transparency in faculty recruitment remains a key focus of the draft regulations. “Our regulations clearly state that the process of shortlisting and selecting faculty must be transparent,” he noted.

The chairperson also emphasised the alignment of these reforms with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, describing the draft regulations as “inclusive and meeting the needs of our country.” He added, “The chancellor will appoint the committee and subsequently the vice-chancellor. These measures will ensure accountability and efficiency.”

Kumar concluded by urging the stakeholders to view the regulations as a step towards strengthening India’s higher education system, assuring that the reforms prioritise inclusivity and the long-term needs of the nation.