The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. It was set up in accordance with the UGC Act 1956 and is charged with the coordination, determination, and maintenance of standards of higher education in India. It provides recognition to universities in India, and disbursements of funds to such recognized universities and colleges.
University Grants Commission (UGC) Overview
| Abbreviation | UGC |
|---|---|
| Formation | 28 December 1956 |
| Founder | Maulana Azad |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Location | India |
| Official language | English, Hindi |
| Parent organization | Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Budget | ₹4,693 crore (US$590 million) (2021–22)[1] |
| Website | www.ugc.gov.in |
The headquarters are in New Delhi, and it has six regional centers in Pune, Bhopal, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Bangalore.
Functions of UGC
The UGC has the following functions:
- To coordinate and maintain standards of teaching, examination and research in universities and colleges.
- To advise the Central and State Governments on all matters relating to university education.
- To provide financial assistance to universities and colleges.
- To promote research in universities and colleges.
- To undertake studies and research in matters relating to university education.
- To publish reports and other publications on matters relating to university education.
The UGC is headed by a Chairman who is appointed by the President of India. The Chairman is assisted by a Vice-Chairman and four other members. The UGC also has a number of standing committees and expert bodies that advise it on various matters.
The UGC has made significant contributions to the development of higher education in India. It has helped to improve the quality of teaching and research in universities and colleges. It has also helped to expand access to higher education by providing financial assistance to students and institutions.
The UGC is a major stakeholder in the Indian higher education system. It plays a vital role in ensuring that the standards of higher education in India are maintained and improved.
Here are some of the recent initiatives taken by the UGC:
- The UGC has launched a new scheme called the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) to rank universities and colleges in India.
- The UGC has also launched a new scheme called the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) to improve the quality of higher education in India.
- The UGC has also taken steps to promote online education and distance learning in India.
The UGC is committed to ensuring that the Indian higher education system is world-class. It is working hard to improve the quality of teaching, research, and innovation in universities and colleges.
FAQs
The UGC coordinates, determines, and maintains standards of university education in India.
UGC accreditation signals authenticity and quality, ensuring students receive a recognized degree.
No, UGC funds institutions based on specific criteria like research contributions and societal impact.
The UGC is emphasizing international collaborations and a research-driven approach to globalize India’s educational landscape.