New Delhi: India is gearing up for a major governance shift in its higher education system, with the government advancing plans to establish a single, unified regulator that could replace bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
The proposal marks a significant step toward implementing the vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020).
Officials confirmed that the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) — a long-discussed regulatory body — is now moving through the final stages of review, bringing India closer to a consolidated system that would oversee both general and technical higher education.
What the New System Aims to Change
Currently, India’s higher education sector is governed by multiple agencies:
- UGC manages non-technical universities and colleges
- AICTE regulates engineering, management, and technical institutions
- NCTE oversees teacher education
The proposed HECI would unify these domains under one regulatory structure to create a more transparent, efficient, and modern framework.
However, medical and law education will not come under the new regulator and will continue with their existing bodies.
Planned Functions of HECI
Under the proposed model, the Higher Education Commission of India will focus on:
- Regulation of institutions
- Accreditation and quality assurance
- Setting academic and professional standards
The commission will not handle funding. Financial decisions will remain under the government’s administrative ministry to avoid overlap between regulation and resource allocation.
This separation aligns with NEP 2020’s recommendation for clear, independent roles within the education ecosystem.
A Reform with a Long History
The idea of a single higher-education regulator is not new.
A draft version of the HECI Bill was released in 2018, calling for the repeal of the UGC Act. The proposal sparked widespread debate but did not progress at the time.
Momentum revived after 2021, when Dharmendra Pradhan took charge as the Union Education Minister. Since then, the government has been working toward creating a unified and simplified regulatory architecture.
NEP 2020 strongly advocates this transformation, stating that the current regulatory system needs a complete overhaul to promote quality, autonomy, and innovation in higher education institutions.
What Comes Next?
With the proposal now moving forward, the next steps include final consultations and a formal introduction of the bill in Parliament.
If approved, the reform could:
- Reduce overlapping regulations
- Improve coordination between institutions
- Simplify approval and compliance processes
- Encourage multidisciplinary and flexible learning pathways
The transition is expected to be implemented in phases to ensure minimal disruption to universities and colleges.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official updates and ongoing policy discussions. Final provisions may change once the government introduces the bill in Parliament.
