Explained: UGC 2026 regulations to ensure equity and end caste bias in higher education
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued new rules called the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. These rules apply to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India.The main aim is to stop caste-based discrimination and ensure equal treatment for everyone in colleges and universities.
What is caste-based discrimination?
Under these regulations, caste-based discrimination means any unfair treatment of a person only because of their caste or tribe.This includes discrimination against students, teachers, or staff belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.Such discrimination can be direct or indirect and is not allowed in any form in higher education institutions.
Who must follow these rules?
These rules apply to all Higher Education Institutions, including universities, colleges, and deemed to be universities.Every student, teacher, non-teaching staff member, and administrator is covered under these regulations.
What are institutions required to do?
Each institution must:
- Stop all forms of discrimination, including caste-based discrimination.
- Promote equity, which means giving everyone a fair chance and equal access to rights and opportunities.
- Ensure that no discrimination is allowed or ignored on campus.
- Make the head of the institution responsible for proper implementation of these rules
Equal Opportunity Centre: A mandatory body
Every institution must set up an EOC. This centre will:
- Help students and staff from disadvantaged groups
- Provide academic, social, and financial guidance
- Look into complaints related to discrimination
- Maintain an online system to report discrimination
If a college cannot set up its own centre, the university it is affiliated with will handle these duties.
Equity Committee: Handling complaints
An Equity Committee must be formed under the EOC. This committee will:
- Examine complaints of caste-based discrimination
- Meet quickly after a complaint is received
- Submit a report to the head of the institution
- Ensure representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women, and persons with disabilities
Equity Helpline: Support at all times
Each institution must run a 24-hour Equity Helpline. This helpline is for anyone facing discrimination-related distress.If requested, the identity of the person reporting the issue will be kept confidential.
How can a complaint be filed?
A person who faces caste-based discrimination can:
- File a complaint online
- Submit a written complaint
- Send an email to the EOC
- Call the Equity Helpline
If the case involves a criminal offence, the matter will be sent to the police without delay
Right to appeal
If a person is not satisfied with the decision of the Equity Committee, they can appeal to the Ombudsperson within 30 days. The Ombudsperson will try to resolve the matter within a fixed time period.Read the official document here.
Monitoring by the University Grants Commission
UGC will:
- Review how institutions are following these rules
- Visit campuses if needed
- Ask institutions for reports and data
- Set up a national-level committee to monitor discrimination issues.
What happens if an institution does not comply?
If an institution does not follow these regulations, the UGC can take action, including:
- Banning the institution from UGC schemes
- Stopping degree programmes
- Stopping online and distance learning programmes
- Removing the institution from the official UGC list
- More than one action can be taken, depending on the case
Why this matters
The detailed notice clearly states that caste-based discrimination has no place in higher education. It puts responsibility on institutions to act, creates clear complaint systems, and gives protection to those who report discrimination.
