UGC’s new equity rules explained: What’s changing on campuses and why it's in SC now

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new rules called the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. 

They were notified on January 13, 2026, and apply to all higher education institutions.

What are the new UGC regulations?

The new UGC Regulations aim to prevent caste-based and other forms of discrimination in colleges and universities across India. These rules aim at protecting the students who are discriminated against on the grounds of caste.

Why were these rules introduced?

The regulations follow Supreme Court intervention after petitions filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, who died by suicide in 2016 and 2019, allegedly due to caste-based discrimination. The court said earlier rules were weak and needed stronger enforcement.

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What do the new rules say?

Every college and university must now have:

Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC): To oversee policies for disadvantaged groups and help with legal aid if needed.

Equity Committee: A 10-member body to handle complaints. At least five members must be from SC, ST, OBC, women and persons with disabilities.

Equity Squads: Teams to monitor campuses and prevent discrimination.

24-hour Equity Helpline and Equity Ambassadors to report and raise awareness.

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Complaints must be addressed within fixed timelines, making the process faster and stricter.

How are these different from older rules?

Earlier rules from 2012 were mostly advisory. The new regulations allow the UGC to punish institutions that don’t comply, including stopping grants or cancelling degree programmes. OBCs have also been explicitly included, which was missing earlier.

Why is there opposition?

Some students argue that the rules could lead to harassment of general category students. They are upset that the final rules removed penalties for false complaints and fear misuse. 

Protests have erupted online under the hashtag #UGCRollBack, and a few BJP office bearers have resigned in protest.

What’s the larger debate?

Supporters say the rules are needed to protect vulnerable students and ensure accountability. Critics argue they may increase caste divisions and lack safeguards against misuse.

Moreover, it is argued that the constitution of India, under Article 14, says all are equal before the law, but the UGC regulations are violating it, along with Article 15, by allegedly discriminating against general students.

Matter in the Supreme Court Now

Opposition to the UGC’s new regulations on promotion of equity in higher education campuses has reached the Supreme Court. 

Two separate petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the rules have been filed. Both petitions are likely to be mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant later this week for directions on listing and hearing.