Single Apex Body for Higher Education
At the heart of the Bill is the establishment of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan as an apex statutory body. The Adhishthan will replace the existing fragmented regulatory structure by subsuming the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
To ensure functional clarity and accountability, the Adhishthan will operate through three independent councils. These include the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad for academic standards, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad for regulation, and the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad for accreditation.
Technology-Driven and Transparent Regulation
The Bill proposes a faceless, technology-enabled Single Window system for approvals, compliance, and oversight. This system will rely on public self-disclosure by HEIs, replacing multiple inspections and overlapping permissions that have long been criticised for over-regulation.
A comprehensive public digital portal will require institutions to disclose governance structures, financial records, academic programmes, faculty strength, infrastructure, and educational outcomes. This data will also form the basis for accreditation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Enhanced Autonomy and Student-Centric Reforms
The Bill places strong emphasis on granting enhanced autonomy to high-performing institutions, allowing them greater freedom in curriculum design, research initiatives, and global collaborations. Institutions of National Importance will retain their existing autonomy under the proposed framework.
Students will benefit from transparent grievance redressal mechanisms, structured feedback systems, and improved access to quality education. The reforms aim to raise India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio while promoting interdisciplinary learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Aligning with Global Standards
The legislation draws upon global best practices while remaining rooted in Indian academic traditions. It seeks to position India as a global knowledge hub capable of retaining domestic talent and attracting international students and faculty.
The Council of Architecture will continue to function as a Professional Standard Setting Body, as envisioned under NEP 2020, ensuring domain-specific expertise remains intact.
Vision for Viksit Bharat
By harmonising standards, regulation, and accreditation under a unified framework, the Bill aims to reduce compliance burden on institutions and allow them to focus on academic excellence. The emphasis on holistic education in emerging and interdisciplinary areas is expected to support the broader goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The introduction of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill represents one of the most ambitious higher education reforms since independence, signalling a decisive shift towards trust-based, outcome-oriented governance in Indian academia.
