Tue Jan 07 16:35:06 IST 2025: ## UGC Overhauls Vice-Chancellor Selection Process, Sparking Controversy
**New Delhi, January 7, 2025** – The University Grants Commission (UGC) released a draft regulation on Monday revising the selection process for Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in Indian universities, potentially resolving ongoing conflicts between state governments and governors. The new guidelines grant Chancellors or Visitors the power to constitute the three-member search-cum-selection committees for VC appointments, a move that shifts power away from state governments in several opposition-ruled states.
The draft, which is open for public comment for 30 days, mandates all-India newspaper advertisements and public notifications for VC applications. The selection committee will comprise a nominee of the Chancellor/Visitor (chairperson), a nominee of the UGC chairman, and a nominee from the university’s apex body. Non-compliance with the new regulations could result in universities being barred from UGC schemes or from offering degree programs.
The change directly addresses conflicts in states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala, where disagreements over VC appointments between state governments and Governors (who often serve as Chancellors) have been common. Previously, state governments typically constituted the search committees.
The draft also introduces several other changes, including:
* **Flexibility in faculty qualifications:** Candidates can qualify for faculty positions based on their performance in the UGC-NET in a subject of their choice, even if their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were in different disciplines. The subject of the PhD can also precede undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines.
* **Emphasis on Indian languages:** The guidelines encourage the use of Indian languages in publications and academic qualifications.
* **Relaxation of marks:** A 5% mark relaxation is allowed at the undergraduate or postgraduate level for candidates from Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Other Backward Classes/Economically Weaker Sections/Persons with Disabilities.
* **Recognition of “notable contributions”:** Innovative teaching, research, lab development, consultancy, and teaching in Indian languages will be considered as notable contributions for assistant professor appointments.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated the guidelines aim to enhance innovation, inclusivity, and dynamism in higher education. UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar highlighted the flexibility introduced in faculty qualifications to create a more multi-disciplinary environment. The draft regulations are now open for public feedback before finalization.
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