UGC introduces new equity regulations: What HEIs must know to prevent caste-based discrimination
The University Grants Commission has introduced the Promotion of Equity Regulations 2026 to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher education. The rules has mandate Equal Opportunity Centres, equity committees and 24-hour helplines hold institutions accountable and empower the UGC to take strict action against non-compliant colleges and universities.
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified new regulations, the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 with the aim to make India’s colleges and universities more inclusive and discrimination-free. The rules are meant to firmly address caste-based discrimination in higher education.
The regulations place clear responsibility on institutions to prevent unfair treatment, create strong complaint-handling systems and support students and staff from disadvantaged communities. They also give the UGC the power to strictly act against institutions that fail to comply.
Under these regulations, caste-based discrimination means any unfair treatment of a person only because of their caste or tribe. This includes discrimination against students, teachers or staff belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
These rules apply to all Higher Education Institutions including universities, colleges and institutions deemed to be universities. Every student, teacher, non-teaching staff member and administrator is covered under these regulations.
Key responsibilities of colleges and universities
Each institution must-
- Stop all forms of discrimination including caste-based discrimination.
- Promote equity which means giving everyone a fair chance and equal access to rights and opportunities.
- Ensure that no discrimination is allowed or ignored on campus.
- Make the head of the institution responsible for the proper implementation of these rules.
Equal ppportunity centre made compulsory
- Every institution must set up an EOC which will-
- Help students and staff from disadvantaged groups
- Provide academic, social, and financial guidance
- Look into complaints related to discrimination
- Maintain an online system to report discrimination
- If a college cannot set up its own centre the university it is affiliated with will handle these duties.
Committee to investigate complaints
An Equity Committee must be formed under the EOC. This committee will-
- Examine complaints of caste-based discrimination
- Meet quickly after a complaint is received
- Submit a report to the head of the institution
- Ensure representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, women, and persons with disabilities
Ways to report discrimination
A person who faces caste-based discrimination can-
- File a complaint online
- Submit a written complaint
- Send an email to the EOC
- Call the equity helpline
- If the case involves a criminal offence, the matter will be sent to the police without delay
Each institution must run a 24-hour Equity Helpline. This helpline is for anyone facing discrimination-related distress. If requested, the identity of the person reporting the issue will be kept confidential. If a person is not satisfied with the decision of the Equity Committee, they can appeal to the Ombudsperson within 30 days. The Ombudsperson will try to resolve the matter within a fixed time period.
UGC to closely track implementation
- Review how institutions are following these rules
- Visit campuses if needed
- Ask institutions for reports and data
- Set up a national-level committee to monitor discrimination issues.
Strict action for non-compliance
If an institution does not follow these regulations, the UGC can take action including-
- Banning the institution from UGC schemes
- Stopping degree programmes
- Stopping online and distance learning programmes
- Removing the institution from the official UGC list
- More than one action can be taken depending on the case