Applicability of the UGC Draft Regulations 2025

Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education Institutions and the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges) Regulations, 2025 are the new regulations that will apply to:

1. Universities established under Central, State, or Provincial Acts.
2. Constituent and affiliated colleges recognized under the UGC Act, 1956.
3. Establishments deemed as universities by the UGC Act’s Section 3.
4. Engineering, technology, and management disciplines for recruitment and promotions.

Note: These regulations will be enforceable unless superseded by specific norms prescribed by other regulatory bodies.

Key Features of the UGC Draft Regulations 2025

1. Faculty Recruitment Flexibility

One of the most significant highlights is the flexibility in eligibility criteria:

2. Discontinuation of the API System

The regulations eliminate the Academic Performance Indicator (API)-based shortlisting, replacing it with a more qualitative approach to assess candidates holistically.
Key factors for evaluation now include:

• Innovative teaching methodologies.
• Development of digital learning resources.
• Entrepreneurial contributions.
• Societal and community engagement.
• Contributions to Indian languages and knowledge systems.
• Promoting sustainability practices.

This shift focuses on broader academic impacts, allowing faculty members to excel in areas they are most passionate about.

3. Inclusivity for Traditional Art and Sports

The draft introduces specialized recruitment pathways to attract talent in traditional fields such as:

• Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Sculpture, and Drama.
• Recognizes national or international accomplishments in these domains.
• Encourages accomplished sportspersons to contribute to physical education in academia.

These efforts aim to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage while enhancing the educational system.

4. Enhanced Support for Reserved Categories

To promote inclusivity, the guidelines provide a 5% relaxation in marks for candidates from:

• SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/EWS categories.
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

Additionally, contributions in Indian languages, consultancy projects, and teaching labs will be acknowledged as notable achievements.

Revised Vice-Chancellor Selection Process

The draft regulations propose a transparent and inclusive selection process for Vice-Chancellors (VCs):

• Search-cum-Selection Committee: The Chancellor or Visitor will appoint a three-member committee, including:
  • A nominee of the Chancellor/Visitor as Chairperson.
  • A UGC nominee.
  • A member from the university’s governing body (e.g., Syndicate/Senate/Board of Management).
• Expanded Eligibility: Opens VC positions to professionals from public policy, research institutions, industry, and public administration.

The selection process ensures diversity while addressing ongoing conflicts between state governments and governors over VC appointments.

Implementation and Compliance

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must amend their statutes, ordinances, and other provisions to align with these regulations within six months of implementation. Institutions failing to comply risk:

• Being barred from UGC schemes.
• Losing the authority to offer degree programs.

Focus on Indian Languages and Cultural Heritage

A notable emphasis in the draft is on promoting Indian languages in academia:

• Encourages publishing academic books and papers in Indian languages.
• Aligns with NEP 2020’s goal of fostering multilingualism in higher education.

Feedback and Suggestions

The UGC has invited stakeholders to submit their feedback on the draft regulations by February 5, 2025. Comments can be sent via the official UGC website.

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Impact of the UGC Draft Regulations 2025

The UGC Draft Regulations 2025 aim to:

1. Foster multi-disciplinary collaborations.
2. Provide a fair and inclusive recruitment framework.
3. Strengthen India’s academic standards globally.
4. Preserve and promote traditional art forms and languages.
5. Align Indian universities with the vision of NEP 2020, emphasizing innovation and excellence.

With these progressive reforms, the UGC is set to transform Indian higher education, making it more dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready.

For more details, visit the official UGC website.

Embracing the art of weaving tales and the magic of visual storytelling, the theme for Saarang 2025 is ‘Frames and Fables.’

Each event is a testament to the fest’s spirit of diversity, offering something exciting for every visitor.

It provides an opportunity for students to bring out their vibrant energy and creativity along with innovative thinking and management skills, said IIT Madras director.

Events like these are not just a showcase of artistic brilliance but also a testament to the diversity of the campus, he said.

I commend all students involved in organizing this massive event, participants from all across India, and the sponsors and supporters who are contributing to make this event a grand success, said IIT Madras director.

New initiatives

The New Events and initiatives introduced in this edition of Saarang include:

⮚ Saarang’s Non-Competitive Cluster is focusing on bringing marginalized art forms and independent artists through Nova’s ‘never-before-done’ Hip-Hop and Indie Fest.

Further, Meraki is organising a range of workshops aimed at promoting lesser-known cultural forms like Kalaripayattu, Parai, Oyilattam, and much more.

⮚ The Multicultural Folk Parade is expected to be a novel step in the same direction – promoting tradition and folk art while also rooted in Saarang’s theme dedicated to the power of storytelling.

The parade will be attended by R.N Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu.

⮚ ‘Empower Social Campaign’: Students are launching ‘Empower’ campaign to empower differently-abled individuals through art and culture.

As part of this, the Saarang Team is going to be providing Chennai-based St. Louis Institute For Deaf and Blind with materials to aid with their education, say sources from IIT Madras.

This year however is extra special because we have Tamil Nadu folk parade for the first time in the history of Saarang from Vana Vani school in campus to Open Air Theatre.

In order to inculcate patriotism among young people, this year we show Moovarnam (tricolour) dance performance by school children on freedom fighters in the presence of Governor of Tamil Nadu R N Ravi and Isaignani Ilayaraja.

In addition, we are also conducting workshops on Tamil folk arts to students and outsiders to promote Tamil Nadu culture and arts, said Prof Sathyanarayana of IIT Madras.

Remarkable testament

Prof. Sushanta Panigrahi, Faculty Advisor (Cultural), IIT Madras, said, “As we celebrate the 51st edition of Saarang, it stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of IIT Madras’ cultural spirit.

This year’s highlights, including the Cultural Parade and Social Campaign Stalls, showcase the diversity and vibrancy of our programming, say sources from IIT Madras.

Saarang continues to unite creativity, innovation, and inclusivity, making it more than just a festival—it’s a movement that inspires and empowers.

Join us this year to celebrate the 51st edition of this cultural marvel from the 9th to 13th of January at IIT Madras, said Prof Sushanta.

Highlights

Sharing the student experience of working on Saarang Arya Daoo and Manas Maheshwari, the cores of the Sponsorship and Public Relations team of Saarang 2025, IIT Madras, said, “With 850 minds working together to make Saarang the kind of phenomenon it is, we assure you that Saarang’s 51st year strives to make a mark that you would not forget.

Inception

Since its inception in 1974, ‘Mardi Gras’, as Saarang was known earlier, is deeply rooted in South India’s culture and has become an integral part of Chennai’s cultural heritage.

To honour its Indian roots and pay homage to the spotted deer commonly found in IIT Madras’ campus, in 1996, Mardi Gras was rebranded as Saarang.

Unique platform

Saarang offers a unique platform for rising young artists and performers from a diverse array of art forms and interests, such as freestyle dance, photography, acapella, graphic designing, and stand-up comedy.

The five-day fest will be teeming with events from the Institute’s many cultural clubs, ranging from oratory and comedy to finearts and writing and the newest, culinary arts club.

These events include competitions, workshops and talented performances from across the world.

Professional shows

The professional shows boast an impressive line-up of well-established and up-and-coming artists alike.

To honour the month of ‘Marghazhi’, Day 0 of Saarang on 9 January 2025 will start with a Classical Night opened by Grammy-winning flutist Shashank Subramanyam.

Choreo Night on Day 1 promises to be filled with stunning performances as the stage is set to be rocked by dance troupes from across India.

EDM Night, scheduled for 11 January 2025, will be opened by the sensational DJ Frozt and headlined by the sensational, Ritviz.

Day 3 will end with the Rock Night, to be graced by Antariksh and Mysore Express. The last Proshow Night is the Pop Show, headlined by none other than the beloved playback singer Amit Trivedi.

Saarang’s World Fest is an international music festival that features free daytime concerts from the 10th to the 12th of January.

The festival will feature a Japanese orchestra, an Italian progressive metal band, a Polish accordionist, and other performers.

World Fest 2025 received generous support from the Consulate General of Italy in Bangalore, Acción Cultural Española from Spain and numerous other organizations from the artists’ home countries.

Saarang is all set to welcome a host of esteemed speakers with a wide-ranging reach across various cultural domains.

This includes K S Chithra, Niharika NM, Sandy Master, Lydian Nadaswaram, and Kishen Das.

Every session provides the audience with profound insights and captivating experiences from the renowned celebrities’ lives.

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