UGC Introduces Strict Guidelines as Caste-Based Discrimination Complaints Rise by 118%

On the UGC website and official government notifications.

Yes, it is one of the most discussed education policy issues of 2026.

It impacts campus grievance systems, student rights, and governance.

Yes, UGC action may be taken against non-compliant institutions.

Yes, petitions/PILs challenging the regulations have been reported.

UGC has indicated that feedback is under review.

Yes, UGC officials and the Chairman have met student representatives.

He said the regulations are constitutional and aimed at fairness.

The government has stated the rules will not be misused.

They allege the rules are unclear and may exclude certain grievances.

Primarily general/unreserved category student groups.

Protests have been reported in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other states.

Yes, protests have been reported from multiple states.

Complaints reportedly rose by over 100% between 2017–18 and 2023–24.

Due to a sharp rise in discrimination-related complaints in recent years.

Yes, time-bound grievance redressal mechanisms are prescribed.

Yes, students can approach the Equity Committee for grievance redressal.

Discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, disability, and social background.

Mandatory representation from SC, ST, OBC, women, and persons with disabilities.

To promote awareness, support affected individuals, and ensure equity initiatives.
 

To address and redress discrimination-related complaints on campus.

Institutions must establish Equity Committees and Equal Opportunity Centres (EOCs).

All UGC-recognised public and private universities and colleges.

Yes, they are mandatory regulations, not advisory guidelines.

To promote equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination in higher education institutions.

They replace the 2012 advisory-level UGC guidelines on discrimination.

They were notified in January 2026.

UGC has notified the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026.

The court emphasized that educational spaces should unite, not segregate, and warned against policies that could institutionalize division instead of preventing discrimination.
 

The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 19.
 

Yes. Until further orders, the earlier UGC anti-discrimination framework (2012 regulations) continues to remain in force.
 

Yes. The Supreme Court has effectively asked the government and UGC to rethink and redraft the regulations so they promote equity without bias or exclusion
 

The court said the wording was unclear and open to misuse, and suggested the regulations may need to be re-examined by an expert committee.
 

Yes. While one section narrowly defined caste-based discrimination, another section defined discrimination broadly to include religion, caste, gender, region, place of birth, and disability. The court questioned why both definitions were needed.
 

The court observed that discrimination is not limited to one group and that denying remedies to others may violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) under the Constitution.
 

A key provision defined caste-based discrimination as discrimination only against SC, ST, and OBC students, excluding students from the general category from the same grievance mechanism.
 

The court found the rules vague, potentially misusable, and socially divisive. It warned that, in their current form, they could have serious consequences for equality and harmony in educational institutions.
 

The Supreme Court has stayed (put on hold) the UGC’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. The rules will not be implemented until the court completes its review.