Ph.D. Specializations and Indian Languages Prioritized in New UGC Draft Regulations

UGC Introduced Flexibility in Teacher Qualifications with New Draft Regulations

The Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled the draft 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, in New Delhi on January 6. He also inaugurated the new UGC auditorium, 'Pushpagiri,' named in honour of Odisha's intellectual heritage. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Sunil Kumar Barnwal, UGC Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, heads of institutions, academicians, and Ministry officials.

The draft UGC Regulations, 2025, introduced by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan, emphasizes flexibility, allowing candidates to teach subjects they qualify for through NET/SET, even if their degrees differ while prioritizing PhD specializations. The regulations also promote the use of Indian languages in academic publications and degree programs, advocating for holistic evaluations that consider a broader range of qualifications, including notable contributions, moving beyond score-based shortlisting.

Furthermore, the regulations will establish recruitment pathways to attract experts in arts, sports, and traditional disciplines, ensuring a diverse talent pool. They also emphasize inclusivity by offering opportunities for accomplished sportspersons, including those with disabilities, to enter the teaching profession. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor selection process will be revised for greater transparency and broader eligibility.

Moreover, the promotion process will be simplified, prioritizing teaching, research, and academic contributions. The regulations also emphasize professional development through continuous learning and faculty programs. They aim to enhance transparency and accountability in recruitment, promotion, and grievance resolution. Pradhan stated that these reforms would introduce innovation, inclusivity, flexibility, and dynamism into higher education, empowering educators, strengthening academic standards, and driving educational excellence.

In his address, the education minister praised the UGC team for aligning the Draft Regulations with NEP 2020 principles and announced that the regulations are open for public feedback. He expressed confidence that the finalized guidelines would drive significant educational reforms and contribute to achieving Viksit Bharat 2047 through quality education and research. The draft UGC Regulations, 2025, mark a significant milestone in modernizing and strengthening India’s higher education system.

Editor’s Note:

The newly introduced draft regulation is a major step toward improving India's educational standards by focusing on skills and qualifications rather than just degrees. It allows candidates to teach subjects they are qualified for through NET/SET, even if their degrees are in different fields. The regulations prioritize PhD specializations, encourage the use of Indian languages in education, and advocate for holistic evaluations instead of relying solely on scores.

Inclusivity is a key priority, with dedicated recruitment pathways for experts in arts, sports, and traditional fields, as well as opportunities for accomplished sportspersons, including those with disabilities. The Vice-Chancellor selection process will be updated to ensure transparency, and the promotion process will emphasize teaching, research, and academic contributions. The regulations also focus on professional development for educators and greater transparency in recruitment and grievance handling. Overall, the draft addresses key gaps in the current education system, aiming to empower it toward achieving academic excellence.

Skoobuzz appreciates the government's efforts to highlight the importance of innovation, inclusivity, flexibility, and dynamism in every aspect of education.