Understanding UGC

UGC stands for University Grants Commission. It is a statutory body established by the Indian government under the UGC Act 1956. The UGC operates under the Ministry of Human Resources Development, and it's affiliated with the ministry of higher education.

The UGC plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the standards of higher education in India. It recognizes and provides funds to universities and colleges that meet its standards. The UGC's main office is located in New Delhi, with regional offices in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bhopal, and Pune.

A Glimpse into UGC's History

• The UGC was originally set up in 1945 to oversee the operations of three central universities in India - Delhi, Banaras, and Aligarh. By 1947, its responsibilities expanded to all Indian universities.
• Between 1948 and 1949, the University Education Commission was established under the leadership of S. Radhakrishnan to examine and recommend improvements and expansions to Indian University Education.
• Taking inspiration from the United Kingdom University Grants Committee, the commission submitted its report in August 1949, suggesting the reconstitution of the University Grants board.
• In 1950, the Indian government assigned the UGC with the responsibility of distributing specific grants to universities and higher education institutions.
• The UGC was officially inaugurated on 28 December 1953 by Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, the then Minister of Education, Natural Resources & Scientific Research.

UGC's Functions

The UGC has several key functions, including:

• Facilitating communication between the State, Union Governments, and various higher education bodies.
• Monitoring and managing the rapid expansion of college and university education in the country.
• Setting standards for examinations like CSIR NET, UGC Net & ICAR NET.
• Developing guidelines for minimum standards in education.
• Recommending policies to the Central & State Governments for necessary improvements in universities and higher education institutions.