UGC New Rules Row: The Supreme Court (SC) of India has outrightly rejected the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026 by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Court ordered that the UGC regulations of 2012 would stay in force unless a new notification is allowed by it. The matter will be next heard on March 19.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant ruled that the new UGC regulations are vague in nature and appear discriminatory per se in its choice of words. The court ruled that the regulation wordings appeared to favour certain groups while arbitrarily excluding others.
UGC New Rules Row-SC Ruling
The SC ruled that the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, which were notified on January 23, 2026, were exclusionary, discriminatory, arbitrary and in violation of the Indian Constitution as well as the UGC Act, 1956.
The new UGC regulations caused massive uproar among teachers, students, political parties and social groups over the definition of caste-based discrimination in the UGC regulations.
Joy Among General Category Students
The Court ruled that the new UGC regulations undermined the principles of fairness, equity, transparency and accountability. The SC decision effectively brings an abrupt halt to the implementation of the new UGC regulations, preserving the status quo under the 2012 framework, which emphasizes balanced promotion criteria without the contested caste-specific clauses.
The SC verdict has been greeted with joy with students belonging to the general category along with many political parties, social media users and teachers of the country.
Broader Implications for Higher Education
The SC decision is more than just a procedural win. It is a massive moment for the educational landscape of the country. The UGC would now have to redraft rules within constitutional framework. Many in the political circles believe that the Supreme Court verdict is a testament against “divisive” politics and policies.
 of India has outrightly rejected the new UGC regulations saying they are unconstitutional.){kind=link}