According to data, 378 complaints were reported in 704 universities and 1,553 colleges in 2023-24 to Equal Opportunity Cells and SC/ST Cells | Photo credit: Getty Images
TThe new University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions (HEI)) Regulations 2026 have generated considerable debate and protest in academic circles and among the general public, both in support and opposition. Although the Supreme Court has stayed their implementation, noting that they are vague and potentially open to abuse, the issue has raised several important academic questions – particularly regarding the empirical aspects of justice, discrimination and caste-based crimes.
One of the most important measures of equality is the representation of different social groups in employment and education at different levels within universities. A look at Table 1 based on the UGC Annual Report 2023 reveals four key trends in central universities.
Published – 24 Apr 2026 08:30 IST
