UGC allows state colleges to apply for deemed university status or become off-campus of universities

UGC allows state colleges to apply for deemed university status or become off-campus of universities 

The amendment, notified in the April 21 Gazette notification, also allows colleges to become off-campus centres of another deemed university or university. The changes have been formalised through a Gazette notification titled University Grants Commission [Institutions Deemed to be Universities] Amendment Regulations, 2026. 

ANI Published On Apr 26, 2026 at 12:07 PM IST 

The amendment, notified in the April 21 Gazette notification, also allows colleges to become off-campus centres of another deemed university or university New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has allowed autonomous and constituent colleges of state universities to apply for deemed-to-be university status, subject to permission from the respective state government. The amendment, notified in the April 21 Gazette notification, also allows colleges to become off-campus centres of another deemed university or university.

The changes have been formalised through a Gazette notification titled University Grants Commission [Institutions Deemed to be Universities] Amendment Regulations, 2026. 

According to the notification, "Universities established under clause (f) of section 2 of the Act or a constituent unit of a University may also apply to become an institution deemed to be a University or an off-campus of another institution deemed to be a University," provided they submit a no-objection certificate from the state government. It further clarifies that the state government must agree to de-notify such institutions, stating that they "shall be permitted to admit students or work as an off-campus or a new institution deemed to be a university only after formal de-notification by the concerned State Government." These changes have been introduced in the University Grants Commission's Institutions Deemed to be Universities Regulations, 2023. An institution of higher education can be deemed to be a university under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

Such institutions enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university, which helps strengthen their academic activities in specialised fields. There are a total of 146 deemed-to-be universities in India so far.

The amendments also revise accreditation-related provisions, removing the requirement of NAAC accreditation with a 3.01 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for three consecutive cycles. Instead, institutions are now required to have accreditation "for three cycles, including the latest cycle," or an equivalent National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) grade. Advt

In the 2023 regulations, one of the conditions for deemed university status was valid NAAC accreditation with at least a 3.01 CGPA for three consecutive cycles. "In sub-regulation ... for the words 'for three consecutive cycles', the words 'or equivalent National Assessment and Accreditation Council grade, for three cycles, including the latest cycle' shall be substituted," the amended notification read.

The amendment also mentions that deemed universities receiving 50 per cent or more of their funds from the central or state governments may continue with their existing Memorandum of Association (MoA) for a specified period, subject to certain conditions.

As per the notification, such institutions must demonstrate "through its duly audited books of accounts that it is able to generate a minimum of fifty per cent of its revenue on its own, that is, total receipts."

Additionally, the clause specifies that "total expenses of the institute are more than twice the government grants given to them," along with fulfilment of other criteria within a defined period, as permitted by the central government.

UGC allows autonomous colleges to seek deemed university status

UGC allows autonomous colleges to seek deemed university status 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  27.04.2028

The UGC has permitted autonomous and constituent colleges of state universities to apply for deemed-to-be university status. The newly introduced provisions also allow these colleges to operate as off-campus centres for existing deemed universities. 

These structural changes were formalised through a Gazette notification issued recently, titled University Grants Commission [Institutions Deemed to be Universities] Amendment Regulations, 2026. The amendments modify the previous UGC regulations established in 2023. 

Currently, there are 146 deemed-to-be universities operating under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, enjoying the academic privileges of full-fledged universities to strengthen their specialised fields of study. While the path to deemed status has been opened, the transition hinges on strict clearance from state authorities. Institutions must secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective state governments to move forward.

T.N. varsities to hold tests for Ph.D. admission despite UGC emphasis on NET

T.N. varsities to hold tests for Ph.D. admission despite UGC emphasis on NET

University of Madras and Bharathidasan University have already held their Ph.D. admissions; Bharathiar University initiates process for its common entrance test to be conducted in May

Bharathiar University has specified a minimum score of 15 out of 50 marks in the common eligibility test to be eligible for admission to its Ph.D. programmes. File photo

The Hindu Bureau. 21.04.2026

COIMBATORE

State universities have chosen to conduct their own exams for Ph.D. admissions 2026, for the second consecutive year despite the emphasis by University Grants Commission on UGC-NET (National Eligibility Test) as the sole national entrance test.

Ph.D. admissions have already been conducted by the University of Madras, Bharathidasan University and a few other State universities, and Bharathiar University (BU) has initiated the process for its common entrance test to be conducted in May.

Universities adopt different methods for admissions. The entrance exam by the University of Madras was based on entrance exam for 50 marks split into written (35 marks) and oral (15). Bharathidasan University had split the assessment of interview portion that was assigned 30 marks into three parts: subject knowledge expertise (15 marks), research aptitude (10 marks) and communication skills (five marks).

BU has specified a minimum score of 15 out of 50 marks in the Common Eligibility Test to be eligible for admission to Ph.D. programme.

In March 2024, the UGC requested vice-chancellors of Central, State, deemed and private universities to utilise the NET score conducted by National Testing Agency for admission to Ph.D. programmes instead of conducting their entrance tests from the 2024-25 academic session.

However, State universities in Tamil Nadu, it is learnt, have been instructed to desist from falling in line since the policy of one national entrance test for admission to Ph.D., according to the UGC, constituted implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020.

The public notice by the UGC stated that NET candidates will be declared eligible in three categories: category 1 - eligible for admission to Ph.D. with JRF and appointment as assistant professor; category 2- eligible for admission to Ph.D. without JRF and appointment as assistant professor; and category 3 - eligible for admission to Ph.D. programme only and not for award of JRF or appointment as assistant professor.

The State universities have, however, made sure that the UGC stipulation is also fulfilled by exempting those with UGC-NET qualification from their entrance tests.

BU Registrar R. Rajavel said the pattern of CET (Common Eligibility Test) would be based on National Eligibility Test (NET).

The BU has specified that candidates who have qualified UGC-NET, awardees of DST-INSPIRE fellowship, scientists working in the DRDO, faculty of Air Force Administrative College, candidates possessing M.Phil degree with a minimum score of 55%, holders of teacher fellowships (like Faculty Induction Programme and Faculty Development Programme) and candidates of foreign origin possessing prescribed qualifications shall be exempted from appearing for CET.

Six global universities to launch international campuses in India

Six global universities to launch international campuses in India 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  20.04.2026

 TIMES OF INDIA LUCKNOW

As India steps up efforts to position itself as a global education hub, six international universities – the University of Aberdeen, the University of Bristol, the Illinois Institute of Technology, the University of Liverpool, Victoria University and the University of York – have collectively committed a scholarship pool worth Rs 1,000 crore to improve access to global education within India thro ugh programmes offered at their upcoming India campuses.

 The initiative aims to expand seat capacity and programme offerings across high demand disciplines, particularly in AI and STEM, while also improving affordability for Indian students through a mix of meritand need-based financial support. All six universities are set to begin campus intake in India from August–September this year. The scholarship framework will support both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with tuition fee waivers ranging from 10% to 100% for selected candidates. 

The scholarship framework is designed to widen access across multiple segments. Merit-bas ed support will enable highperforming students, who might otherwise pursue education abroad, to access globally aligned degrees within India through partial tuition waivers. At the same time, need-based scholarships aim to extend opportunities to students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, including first-generation learners.

NEET NOT Mandatory for Physiotherapy, occupational therapy admissions this year, requirement deferred to 2027-28

NEET NOT Mandatory for Physiotherapy, occupational therapy admissions this year, requirement deferred to 2027-28 

Written By : Adity Saha Published On 6 Mar 2026 12:47 PM  |  Updated On 6 Mar 2026 12:47 PM

New Delhi: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has announced that appearing in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET UG) will not be mandatory for admission to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) undergraduate programmes for the academic year 2026-27.

In a letter issued to the University Grants Commission (UGC) on March 2nd, the Commission stated that the earlier decision to conduct admissions to these courses through NEET has been deferred to the next academic year 2027–28.

Earlier, the Commission had proposed that admissions to BPT and BOT courses, which fall under the schedule of the NCAHP Act, 2021, should be conducted through NEET.

Medical Dialogues in 2024 reported that NEET was made a mandatory entry requirement for admission to Undergraduate-level Physiotherapy courses. Releasing the draft curriculum of Physiotherapy, the Interim Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (ICAHP) had mentioned that the students entering the Physiotherapy program, "must have appeared in National eligibility entrance test (NEET)."

However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the NEET-UG 2026 examination is already in an advanced stage of preparation. Including BPT and BOT courses in NEET this year could lead to a sudden increase in the number of candidates and create logistical challenges in conducting the exam.

Considering the logistical issues, NCAHP decided to postpone the mandatory NEET requirement for these courses for one year.

"Further, vide Ref (1) above, it was informed that, the admission in Physiotherapy Under-Graduate (UG) programmes i.e. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Occupational Therapy Under-Graduate (UG) programmes i.e. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B. OT) listed in Categories 3 and 6 respectively of the Schedule of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 shall be through National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET).

In this regard, vide Ref (2) & (3), the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have informed that the NEET (UG)-2026 is at its advance stage and inclusion of Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B. OT) may lead to an unexpected increase in the number of candidates, potentially creating logistical challenges in the conduct of the examination.

Considering the logistic issues, as intimated vide letter Ref (2) & (3) of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) respectively, the Commission hereby notifies that the admission process for Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B. OT) Under-Graduate programme’s mandatory requirement of appearance in NEET (UG)-2026 examination, be deferred till next academic year 2027-28," mentioned the letter.

However, the admission to these programmes will be conducted based on the marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) in the Class 12 examination, as per the eligibility criteria already notified earlier.

As per the criteria, candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or Botany and Zoology) along with English. Students from the General and EWS categories must secure at least 50% aggregate marks in PCB, while SC, ST and OBC (NCL) candidates require a minimum of 40% marks. The minimum marks for PwD candidates are also 40% in the qualifying examination.

The Commission clarified that all other eligibility conditions for admission to these programmes will remain the same, except the requirement of appearing in NEET for the academic year 2026–27.

"The admission in these programmes shall be in accordance with the basic eligibility criteria and other common criteria, as notified earlier vide Ref (1) above, for the Academic Year 2026-27, except the mandatory requirement of appearance in NEET (UG) examination. Accordingly, the merit list to be prepared on the basis of aggregate marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) in 12th standard examination, with minimum 50% marks i.e. “Candidate must have passed Senior Secondary (10+2) or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry & Biology (or Botany & Zoology) with 50% aggregate with English pass. However, in respect of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, or Other Backward Classes (NCL), the minimum marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are taken together in the qualifying examination shall be 40% marks instead of 50% marks for Unreserved and General-EWS Candidates. In respect of PwBD/PwD candidates the minimum marks in the qualifying examination in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or Botany & Zoology) taken together shall be 40% instead of 50%. English pass required for all categories," added the letter.

U-turn on same stipend for all medical undergrads

U-turn on same stipend for all medical undergrads

Earlier, the Union health ministry had twice written to the National Medical Commission (NMC) on “examining” the issue of pay parity. And NMC had accepted that there is no stipend parity.

Image used for representational purpose.File photo | Express

Kavita Bajeli-Datt

Updated on:

12 Apr 2026, 7:23 am

NEW DELHI: The centre appears to be backtracking from its earlier stand on bringing pay parity for all undergraduate medical interns, whether they are studying in government or private medical colleges.

Earlier, the Union Health Ministry had twice written to the National Medical Commission (NMC) on “examining” the issue of pay parity. The NMC, on its part, had also accepted that there is no stipend parity.

The next step was for the NMC to amend the key provision of the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship Regulations, 2021 (CRMI Regulations 2021), which states that “all interns shall be paid stipend as fixed by the appropriate authority applicable to the institution/University or State.”

This provision contrasts with the Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulation-2023, which makes no distinction between interns working in government or private medical colleges.

However, within months, the ministry has taken a U-turn, even though the Supreme Court had slammed the medical regulatory body, saying that it is “dragging its feet without any serious concern” on non-payment of stipend to interns and had urged it to “wake up from its slumber and take appropriate steps” in its October 28 order.

After showing keenness over the issue, in its RTI reply, the Medical Education Policy Section (MEP) under the Union Health Ministry said, “The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex statutory body constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, for regulating medical education and profession in the country. All matters relating to framing, amendment, and implementation of medical education regulations fall within the domain of NMC.”

“Therefore, in view of the above, no further action is required to be taken by the MEP Section in the matter, as the subject falls within the domain of the National Medical Commission (NMC)," said the April 2 response to Kerala-based RTI activist, Dr KV Babu when he reminded the ministry on the action NMC has taken to its directions on pay parity.

Speaking with this paper, Dr Babu, who has been pursuing the twin issue of non-payment of stipends to interns and pay parity, said, “The issue of stipend parity has been pending with the NMC and government for almost five years.”

“Though following the SC order, the government took a proactive decision to amend CRMI regulations in line with PGME regulations, the nominated, almost vacant, UGMEB is not inclined to amend the regulations for stipend parity even after harsh criticism from the SC and the communications from the government.”

“It should be noted that though the government have the authority to direct the NMC/UGMEB to amend the regulations for stipend parity, they are absolving the responsibility, though they had no hesitation in directing the NMC to act on issues that suited them earlier,” he said.

“It should be presumed that the government and the nominated vacant UGMEB are hand in glove in denying stipend parity to the hapless interns," Dr Babu added.

Interestingly, the NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), which determines undergraduate medical education standards, is without a president. The issue of 19 posts being vacant at NMC, out of the 54 sanctioned strength, was also highlighted in the Parliament.

In its February 18 response to the ministry’s reminders, NMC had said that “any amendment to the CRMI Regulations, 2021, if required, would need consideration in accordance with the statutory process and after due consultation with all concerned authorities.”

However, the NMC continued to sit on the issue, and the ministry also took a U-turn on the matter, which has been agitating medical students and also taken up by various associations, such as FAIMA and FORDA

NMC declares unrecognised dept teaching invalid for medical professionals

NMC declares unrecognised dept teaching invalid for medical professionals

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, Updated At : 12:28 PM Apr 11, 2026 IST

Photo for representation. iStock

Now, any teaching experience certificate issued on the basis of service rendered in an unrecognised department/unit would be treated as “invalid” for determining eligibility, appointment, promotion, or academic recognition.

In a significant move aimed at maintaining standards in medical education, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory directing all health universities, state governments, and medical colleges not to count postgraduate teaching or training experience obtained from unrecognised departments.

The commission has also declared that teaching experience certificates issued on such a basis will be treated as invalid. A communiqué in this respect has been circulated to Vice-Chancellors of health universities, Directors General of Health Services of states and Union Territories, and heads of all medical colleges offering postgraduate courses, seeking strict compliance.

“The NMC has observed, in certain instances, that teaching experience certificates and postgraduate training experience are being claimed by the faculty or certified by universities/institutions on the basis of departments or units that are not recognised or permitted by the commission for conducting postgraduate medical education,” reads the communiqué.

The NMC clarified that such practices violate existing regulations governing postgraduate medical education. It has also placed the responsibility on universities and institutions to verify the recognition status of departments before issuing teaching experience certificates. Medical colleges and affiliating universities have been directed to ensure that no certificates are issued for experience gained in unapproved departments. The NMC reiterated that teaching experience for faculty appointments or recognition as postgraduate teachers must be obtained only from recognised medical colleges and duly approved departments.

These departments must have approved infrastructure, adequate faculty strength, and permitted postgraduate seats as per NMC records and regulations, including the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, and the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025. The advisory further stated that postgraduate training or teaching experience obtained from unrecognised departments will not be counted for eligibility to appear in postgraduate examinations, recognition as a postgraduate teacher or guide, appointment or promotion to faculty posts, or determination of teaching experience for academic and administrative purposes.

Additionally, the commission made it clear that any teaching experience certificates issued on the basis of service rendered in unrecognised departments or units will be considered invalid for appointments, promotions, or academic recognition. “The move aims to curb irregularities in faculty appointments and ensure quality medical education across the country,” said an official at the University of Health Sciences, Rohtak.

Registrar questions own varsity’s high NAAC ranking via emails, shunted out

Registrar questions own varsity’s high NAAC ranking via emails, shunted out

Ramendra.Singh@timesofindia.com TIMES OF INDIA BHOPAL07.04.2026

Bhopal : In a surprising selfindictment, the registrar of Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) challenged the favorable NAAC accreditation for his own university. RGPV was awarded A++ in 2025. TOI has access to a copy of the mail sent by him to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). 

The registrar in question was removed from his post on April 1. The controversy erupted as RGPV, which oversees dozens of engineering colleges across Madhya Pradesh, faced scrutiny over its credi-bility and ranking. Affiliated institutions rely on the parent university’s NAAC grade for their own standings. Former registrar Mohan Sen had fired off emails to the NAAC on several occasions in the past three months, alleging inflated marks for nonexistent campus facilities and manipulated data in the Self Study Report (SSR) submitted for Cycle 2 in Nov 2024. 

Sen demanded that the awarded grade be withheld until a thorough probe. Despite the complaints, NAAC remains silent. Sen, who assumed the registrar’s role in Feb 2024, claimed in mails that the SSR data was never verified by current university authorities, including himself, the controller of finance, and director of UIT RGPV Bhopal. “These are just a few examples,” his letter concludes. When contacted, the then registrar, Sen, said, “The last NAAC ranking given to RGPV was A++. Several questions were raised from different corners of society, challenging such a high ranking. I investigated the issue and found that even those parameters, for which the university has no facilities, were considered. I then requested NAAC authorities to physically verify the claims made so that the truth would come to the surface. Unfortunately, NAAC has never responded to any of my emails.” RGPV's spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Akela refused to comment on the matter.

NEET PG: Rajasthan HC relief to doctor denied admission over permanent registration certificate Written By : Barsha Misra

NEET PG: Rajasthan HC relief to doctor denied admission over permanent registration certificate Written By : Barsha Misra

Published On 4 Apr 2026 3:17 PM  |  Updated On 4 Apr 2026 3:17 PM

Rajasthan High Court  06.04.2026

Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court provided relief to a NEET PG 2025 candidate who was earlier denied postgraduate medical admission due to the lack of a Permanent Registration Certificate.

Referring to Rule 8(3) of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000, the HC bench comprising Dr. Justice Nupur Bhati clarified that as per these regulations, candidates are given a period of one month after admission for obtaining permanent registration and when the law provides a period of one month, the State Government cannot impose a more stringent condition through the information booklet.

The bench clarified that administrative instructions or information bulletins cannot weaken or repeal any statutory rule and directed the college to grant her admission.

As per the latest media report by Live Law, the concerned petitioner in this case obtained a temporary registration from the Chhattisgarh Medical Council after completing MBBS and was performing the necessary service for permanent registration. However, during this time, the petitioner appeared in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025 examination and was allotted a medical college.

When the petitioner reported to the college, admission was denied on the grounds that the petitioner did not have a permanent registration certificate.

While considering the matter, the bench cited Rule 8(3) of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000 and observed, "This provision has been made with the objective that meritorious students who are in the registration process at that time should not face unnecessary hardship."

In this regard, the bench clarified that when the law itself provides a periof of one month, the State Government impose a more stringent condition through the information booklet.

Terming this move of the State as arbitrary and against the law, the bench said that it was wrong to deny admission only based on lack of certificate. Accordingly, the bench issued directions to the State Government to grant immediate admission to the petitioner.

Students generate Rs 40 cr under EMC by state govt

Students generate Rs 40 cr under EMC by state govt 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  06.04.2026 TIMES OF INDIA CHANDIGARH

Over 1.2 lakh UG students in Punjab have collectively generated near ly Rs 40 crore of revenue within a single academic term under the state government’s newly mandated Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum (EMC). Rolled out for the 2025-26 academic year across 20 universities, 320 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and 91 polytechnics, the programme has successfully transformed over one lakh students into active entrepreneurs. The curriculum’s delivery was spearheaded through the ‘Punjab Startup App’, an AI-powered, mobile-first platform designed in partnership with Masters’ Union School of Business. During the first term, from October to February, the initiative achieved remarkable financial milestones. Reaching 1.5 lakh students in its first year alone, the state now targets scaling the programme to 5 lakh students by 2028-29. 

The EMC makes job creation a core outcome of undergraduate education through a mandatory, credit-linked course. Universities must ensure a minimum of two credits per semester, shifting student evaluations away from traditional written exams. Instead, students are graded on practical execution, market reflections, customer feedback, and actual revenue impact tracked via the app. Learners choose practical business tracks like e-commerce or freelancing, progressing through structured milestones covering budgeting, go-to-market strategies, and order fulfilment

Madras univ raises fees

Madras univ raises fees 

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 02.04.2026

Chennai : The University of Madras on Wednesday increased fees by 10% for all courses and by 15% for selfsupported courses. “A majority of the courses collect less than ₹5,000 per year as fees. This amount will not help resolve a financial crisis,” said aprofessor. The university also passed a resolution to disaffiliate Dr MGR Janaki Arts and Science College for Women at Raja Annamalaipuram. The college, which was founded in 1996 by Latha Rajendran in memory of chief minister M G Ramachandran and his wife V N Janaki, will be brought under Vel’s Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies from 2026-27 academic year. “The proposal was mooted by the college. Following the payment of the provisional affiliation fees from 2013-14 to 2020-21, the university would grant approval for the disaffiliation,” a sourcesaid

IGNOU DEGREE

NMC tightens grip on PG medical courses with revised norms; check new requirements here

NMC tightens grip on PG medical courses with revised norms; check new requirements here 

The National Medical Commission has released updated Minimum Standards of Requirements for Post-Graduate Courses, 2023, effective immediately. These revised rules mandate enhanced infrastructure, digital integration, stricter faculty attendance, and improved patient load requirements for all medical colleges. The changes aim to elevate the quality of postgraduate medical education across India.

TOI Education

Mar 22, 2026, 12:01 IST

NMC tightens grip on PG medical courses with revised norms The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a fresh notice announcing changes to the Minimum Standards of Requirements for Post-Graduate Courses, 2023. The updated rules have come into effect immediately and all medical colleges must follow them. The notice was issued by the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), which works under the NMC and is responsible for setting rules for postgraduate medical education in India. 

What is this notice about 

The notice updates the existing Post-Graduate Minimum Standards of Requirements (PGMSR), 2023. These standards define what medical colleges need to have in order to start and run postgraduate medical courses. This includes rules related to infrastructure, faculty, hospital facilities, equipment and patient load. The standards were earlier released in January 2024 and updated in August 2024 and January 2025. Now, another amendment has been issued in February 2026. 

Key message from NMC

All medical colleges and institutions offering postgraduate medical courses must follow the updated rules from now on. There is no transition period. The changes apply immediately. What has changed: Explained simply

Basic hospital and infrastructure requirements Medical colleges must have proper hospital buildings and facilities as per government rules. This includes outpatient departments, inpatient wards, operation theatres, Intensive Care Units (ICU), laboratories and emergency services. All required approvals from authorities must already be in place.

Equipment and learning facilities Departments must have modern equipment and proper training facilities. Colleges must also provide digital libraries, seminar halls and internet access. Teaching rooms with audio visual facilities are now mandatory for each department.

Patient load requirement Hospitals must have enough patients for proper training. At least 80 percent of hospital beds should be occupied throughout the year Departments must have enough ICU and High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds Patient records must be maintained digitally

Faculty rules All faculty members must work full time and cannot do private practice during working hours. They must have at least 75 percent attendance in a year.

New monitoring measures CCTV cameras must be installed in medical colleges Attendance of staff must be recorded digitally through Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) Colleges must maintain proper patient data and hospital records

Mandatory college website details Every medical college must have a website and regularly update it. The website should include List of departments, PG courses and number of seats, Faculty details of last three years, Student admission details, Patient attendance and bed occupancy, Number of surgeries performed.

Bed and department requirements Standalone postgraduate institutes must have at least 220 beds and certain compulsory departments like: Biochemistry Pathology Microbiology Radio diagnosis Anaesthesiology

New digital health integration Colleges must link their systems with the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and generate ABHA IDs for patients.

Limit on PG seats In non government medical colleges, a maximum of four seats will be allowed per year when starting a new postgraduate course or increasing intake.

Workload requirements for training The notice also sets clear rules for clinical workload. For example minimum number of patients per day, minimum surgeries per week, required number of X-rays, CT scans and other tests, specific workload targets for departments like pathology, microbiology and radiology. These ensure students get enough practical exposure during training.

Faculty to student ratio The number of teachers required depends on the number of students. For example: Professor can guide 2 to 3 students Associate Professor can guide 2 students Assistant Professor can guide 1 student

Limits on units and beds 

Each department can have a maximum of six units and each unit can have up to 40 beds. Read the official notice here. The new rules focus on improving quality in postgraduate medical education by ensuring better infrastructure, enough patients for training, stricter monitoring and proper faculty availability. Medical colleges across India are now required to immediately follow these updated standards.

1,28,976 MBBS, 85,020 PG seats, 818 medical colleges in India: Health Ministry cites NMC data, regulations in Parliament

1,28,976 MBBS, 85,020 PG seats, 818 medical colleges in India: Health Ministry cites NMC data, regulations in Parliament 

Written By : Adity Saha Published On 11 Mar 2026 5:49 PM | Updated On 11 Mar 2026 5:49 PM

New Delhi: Altogether 1,28,976 MBBS, 85,020 PG seats and 818 medical colleges are available in the country as per the National Medical Commission (NMC), the Health Ministry recently told the Parliament while citing NMC data and regulations.

Further, under CSS schemes, 4977 additional MBBS seats and 8058 additional PG seats have been approved in medical colleges across the country, Union Health Minister Smt Anupriya Patel informed the Rajya Sabha.

While informing Parliament about the increase in seat capacity in medical colleges, the Minister said that, as per the National Medical Commission, the number of medical colleges has increased by 111.36%, from 387 in 2013-14 to 818 at present.

Further, she stated that MBBS seats have increased by 151.18%, from 51,348 before 2013-14 to 1,28,976 currently, while PG seats have risen by 172.63%, from 31,185 before 2014 to 85,020 at present, improving access to medical education in the country.

"The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for ‘Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals’ with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. Under these schemes, additional 4977 MBBS seats and 8058 PG seats have been approved in medical colleges across the country," the Minister said.

The information was shared while responding to a series of queries raised by parliament member who sought to know the reasons and details of sanctioning additional medical seats in Government colleges to increase MBBS and postgraduate capacity; whether the increase in seats is accompanied by proportional enhancement in faculty, infrastructure and clinical training facilities to maintain education quality, if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor; whether the National Medical Commission monitors compliance with regulations and standards across colleges and the steps being taken to ensure equitable access to medical education across States and underserved regions.

In response, MoS Health Patel informed that the National Medical Commission (NMC) invites online applications every year from medical colleges and institutions across the country for the establishment of new medical colleges and for increase of Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) medical seats. NMC issues Letter of Permission (LoP)/ Letter of Disapproval (LoD) after due scrutiny and assessment in accordance with the provisions of the Establishment of Medical Institutions, Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023, the Minimum Standard Requirement for Undergraduate courses (UGMSR), 2023, the Minimum Standard Requirement for Postgraduate courses (PGMSR), 2023, and other relevant norms issued by NMC from time to time.

"The "Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER2023)" makes it obligatory on the part of the medical college or medical institution, after its establishment, to furnish an Annual Disclosure Report (ADR) to the concerned Board, satisfying such conditions provided under the notified MSRs by Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) or Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) and regulations of NMC. The respective Board (PGMEB or UGMEB) undertakes the evaluation of the ADR as and when deemed necessary for their assessment and otherwise," She added.

To ensure equitable to medical education across States and underserved regions, the Minister informed the parliament about the following key measures introduced under UGMSR, 2023 and PGMSR, 2023.

(i) Removal of the earlier mandatory land requirement, with provision for a unitary campus or a maximum of two campuses within a distance of 10 km between the medical college and the teaching hospital.

(ii) Adoption of a need-based approach for scaling infrastructure, equipment and manpower.

(iii) Permission to start PG courses with two seats with two faculty members without the earlier requirement of three faculty members and a senior resident.

(iv) Provision enabling medical colleges to apply for starting PG courses one year after commencement of the undergraduate course, while Government Medical Colleges may start PG courses simultaneously with UG courses.

(d) The government has made concerted efforts on expanding the medical college infrastructure under various CSS Schemes over last one decade so that medical education becomes more equitable and accessible across States. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare administers a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for ‘Establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals’ with preference to underserved areas and aspirational districts, where there is no existing Government or private medical college. A total of 157 Medical Colleges have been approved in the various districts across the country. Further, support has also been provided for Strengthening/Upgradation of existing Sate Government/Central Government medical colleges to increase the number of MBBS (UG) and PG seats under another CSS Scheme. Under these schemes, additional 4977 MBBS seats and 8058 PG seats have been approved in medical colleges across the country.

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவ பல்கலை. 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா: ஆளுநா் ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவ பல்கலை. 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா: ஆளுநா் ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மருத்துவம், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களைப் பெற்றனா்.

- SWAMINATHAN

Updated On :28 பிப்ரவரி 2026, 3:29 am

பகிர்:

தினமணி செய்திச் சேவை

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மருத்துவம், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களைப் பெற்றனா்.

அதிக மதிப்பெண் பெற்ற மாணவா்களுக்கு ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்.

சென்னை கிண்டியில் உள்ள தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்.ஜி.ஆா். மருத்துவப் பல்கலை. வளாகத்தில் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என். ரவி தலைமையில் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை நடைபெற்றது. இதில், மருத்துவத்தில், 12,016 பேரும், பல் மருத்துவத்தில் 2,569 பேரும், இந்தியமுறை மருத்துவத்தில், 3,269 பேரும், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 32,305 போ் என 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களை பெற்றனா்.

குறிப்பாக, 144 போ் தங்கப் பதக்கமும், 42 போ் வெள்ளிப் பதக்கமும், 51 போ் அறக்கட்டளை சான்றிதழும், 166 போ் பல்கலை. சாா்பிலான பதக்கங்கள் என 353 போ் பெற்றனா். சென்னை கீழ்ப்பாக்கம் அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரியில் எம்பிபிஎஸ் படித்த சுவேதா என்ற மாணவி, ஒன்பது பதக்கங்களைப் பெற்றாா். அதேபோல், முதுநிலை பட்டம் பெற்ற சுருதி, நிரஞ்சனா, ஆஷா ஆகியோா் தலா 6 பதக்கங்களைப் பெற்றனா். மாணவா்களுக்கான பட்டங்கள், பதக்கங்களை ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி வழங்கினாா்.

பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் பல்கலை. துணைவேந்தா் நாராயணசாமி பேசியதாவது: தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலையில். புதிய ஆராய்ச்சிகளுக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் அளிக்கப்படுகிறது. மாணவா்களின் ஆராய்ச்சியை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், சிறப்பாக செயலாற்றும் மாணவருக்கு ரூ.50 ஆயிரம் ஊக்கத்தொகை வழங்கப்படுகிறது. அத்துடன், 75 ஆராய்ச்சி கட்டுரைகள் வெளியிடப்பட்டு இருப்பதுடன், ஐந்துக்கு காப்புரிமை கோரப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மருத்துவ அறிவியலுடன், தொழில்நுட்ப கற்றலை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், அண்ணா பல்கலை, சென்னை ஐஐடி, வேலூா் தொழில்நுட்பக் கல்லுாரி நிறுவனத்துடன் இணைந்து பணியாற்றி வருகிறோம். குறிப்பாக, செயற்கை நுண்ணறிவு சாா்ந்த மருத்துவப் படிப்புகளும் ஊக்குவிக்கப்படுகிறது. கடந்தாண்டு பள்ளி மாணவா்களிடையே, புதுமை, ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் அறிவியல் சிந்தனையின் ஆரம்பகால ஆா்வத்தை வளா்ப்பதை நோக்கமாக கொண்டு விழிப்புணா்வு கருத்தரங்கம் நடத்தப்பட்டு, மாணவா்களிடையே வரவேற்பைப் பெற்றது என்றாா்.

அமைச்சா் பங்கேற்கவில்லை...: பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் காய்ச்சல் காரணமாக மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள மக்கள் நல்வாழ்வு துறை அமைச்சா் மா.சுப்பிரமணியன், பங்கேற்க முடியாத நிலையில், அத்துறைச் செயலா் செந்தில்குமாருக்கு அழைப்பு விடுக்கப்பட்டிருந்தது. ஆனால், அவரும் விழாவில் பங்கேற்காமல் புறக்கணித்தாா்.

Patenting can never be just an academic exercise: Experts

Patenting can never be just an academic exercise: Experts 

Others are little better, leading an expert from Ambattur, Tamil Nadu, who analysed the data, to wonder, “Are patents being filed as innovation assets or as metrics for rankings and visibility?” Galgotias University, which exhibited a Chinese dogbot at the India AI Impact summit, published 2,233 patents over five years but secured two grants. A sharper focus on 20202023 outcomes (as it takes an average two years to grant a patent under the expedited route) shows even wider disparity. The IITs presented 3,331 patent publications and got 2,118 patents, pushing the success rate to 64%. 

The IISc successfully converted 257 of its 379 applications in 20202023, an approval rate of nearly 68%. For Lovely Professional University, the picture was barely any better in that period: 5,774 publications, 164 grants, and a success rate of a mere 2.8%. Chandigarh University shows a sharper skew—5,318 filings since 2020, only 45 grants overall. In 2023, it published 2,350 patents and received 44, a success rate of 1.87%. 

The National Institutes of Technology collectively published 2,333 patent applications in 2020- 2025 and secured 949 grants, a success rate of 41%. In 2020-2023, 933 of NITs’ patent publications yielded 626 grants, a success rate of 67.1%, comparable to India’s top public research universities. For serious innovation, according to education experts, patenting can never be just an academic exercise as it requires sustained financial investment in labs, hiring of researchers and legal support to achieve successful conversion and technology transfer. Currently, several privately-run institutions appear to be filing for patents on an industrial scale but have almost nothing to show on conversion. Galgotias University had filed 1,752 applications in 2020-2023 and received none. 

Shobhit Institute of Engineering and Technology has a similar story: 961 filings, zero approvals—both cumulatively and in2020-2023. 

Pvt univs file more patents but IITs, IISc win more nods 

Mumbai : India’s research story in higher education is often told through the rise in patent applications. However, a closer reading of data—from the India Patent Office for 2020-2025— suggests a more uncomfortable reality: the system increasingly rewards activity, not outcomes. The Indian Institutes of Technology, collectively, filed for 6,558 patents and got 2,806, an approval rate of 43%. 

The premier Indian Institute of Science mirrors this trajectory, as do the NITs, reports Hemali Chhapia. Now compare this with high-volume private universities. Lovely Professional University leads in numbers with 7,096 patent applications over five years. Yet only 164 granted, a success rate of 2.3%. The IITs presented 3,331 patent publications and got 2,118 patents, pushing the success rate to 64%.

Guv’s nominee walks out; BDU forms new panel

Guv’s nominee walks out; BDU forms new panel 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  22.02.2026

Trichy : More than 10 days after the governor’s syndicate nominee in the panel for scrutiny of registrar, controller of examinations, and director for centre of distance education appointments at Bharathidasan University walked out, the university administration cancelled the panel and ordered the formation of a fresh committee. S Amudha, the governor’s committee had walked out on Feb 9 over the issue of marking certain candidates as ‘non-eligible’. In this backdrop, an official communication from the university sent on Feb 20 to the members concerned stated the existing committee had been cancelled for “administrative reasons” and a fresh committee constituted. The new committee, is scheduled to meet on March 3.

Section of Anna University PhD scholars excluded from convocation

Section of Anna University PhD scholars excluded from convocation

Scholars who completed their viva after this date will be awarded degrees at a separate function later in February, the date of which is yet to be announced.

Binita Jaiswal

Updated on:

03 Feb 2026, 8:31 am

CHENNAI: A section of PhD scholars from Anna University who completed their viva-voce after June 2025 have expressed strong disappointment over the university’s decision to hold a separate degree-awarding function for them in February, instead of including them in the 46th annual convocation scheduled for February 4.

According to a circular issued by the university, only scholars who successfully defended their PhD viva-voce on or before June 30, 2025, will be permitted to receive their degrees in person at the main convocation ceremony. Scholars who completed their viva after this date will be awarded degrees at a separate function later in February, the date of which is yet to be announced.

The decision has left many scholars upset, as the February event will feature a chief guest or the governor, who is traditionally the chancellor of the university. “For many of us, convocation is the most memorable day of our academic life. We worked for years with the hope of receiving the degree on stage in a grand event in front of a chief guest. A separate, low-key function takes away the emotion and recognition associated with that moment,” said a PhD scholar who completed her viva in July 2025.

University officials, however, defended the move, citing logistical constraints. A senior varsity official said the last convocation was held in 2024 and the number of eligible scholars this year has risen sharply. “We can accommodate only about 750 candidates in a single convocation ceremony. Given the large backlog and venue limitations, it is not feasible to include everyone on the same day. Hence, a separate function is being planned to ensure all scholars receive their degrees in person,” the official said.

துணைவேந்தா்கள் நியமனம்: தேடல் குழு பதவிக் காலம் நீட்டிப்பு நடவடிக்கையை கைவிட ஆளுநா் அறிவுறுத்தல்

தமிழ்நாடு

துணைவேந்தா்கள் நியமனம்: தேடல் குழு பதவிக் காலம் நீட்டிப்பு நடவடிக்கையை கைவிட ஆளுநா் அறிவுறுத்தல்

தமிழகத்தின் 3 பல்கலைக்கழகங்களின் துணைவேந்தா் நியமனத்துக்கு அமைக்கப்பட்ட தோ்வுக் குழுக்களின் பதவிக் காலத்தை தமிழக அரசு நீட்டிக்கும் நடவடிக்கையை உடனடியாக நிறுத்த ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி அறிவுறுத்தல்

ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என். ரவிகோப்புப் படம்

தினமணி செய்திச் சேவை

Updated on:

03 பிப்ரவரி 2026, 2:43 am

தமிழகத்தின் மூன்று பல்கலைக்கழகங்களின் துணைவேந்தா் நியமனத்துக்கு அமைக்கப்பட்ட தோ்வுக் குழுக்களின் பதவிக் காலத்தை தமிழக அரசு நீட்டித்திருப்பது நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவுகளுக்கு முரணானது; இந்த நடவடிக்கையை உடனடியாக நிறுத்த வேண்டும் என தமிழக அரசை ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி கேட்டுக்கொண்டுள்ளாா்.

இதுகுறித்து ஆளுநா் மாளிகை செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை வெளியிட்ட செய்திக்குறிப்பு: பாரதியாா் பல்கலைக்கழகம், பாரதிதாசன் பல்கலைக்கழகம் மற்றும் பெரியாா் பல்கலைக்கழகம் போன்ற சில தமிழக அரசின் பல்கலைக்கழகங்களுக்கு துணைவேந்தா் நியமனம் செய்வதற்கான பெயரை பரிந்துரைப்பதற்கான தேடல் குழுக்களுக்கு வழங்கப்பட்ட பதவிக் காலம் நீட்டிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது தொடா்பான சட்ட நிலைப்பாட்டை ஆளுநா் மாளிகை பதிவு செய்ய விரும்புகிறது.

தமிழக பல்கலைக்கழக துணைவேந்தா்களை நியமிக்க சட்டபூா்வ விதிகளுக்கு இணங்க, முறையாக அமைக்கப்பட்ட தேடல் குழுக்கள் பரிந்துரைக்கும் மூன்று பெயா்களைக் கொண்ட பட்டியலிருந்து ஒருவரை வேந்தரே (ஆளுநா்) தோ்வு செய்து துணைவேந்தராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டு வந்துள்ளனா்.

இந்நிலையில், பல்கலைக்கழகச் சட்டங்களில் சில திருத்தங்களைச் செய்த தமிழக அரசு, துணைவேந்தா்களை நியமிக்கும் அதிகாரம் அரசுக்கு உள்ளது என திருத்தம் கொண்டு வந்தது. இதை எதிா்த்து உயா்நீதிமன்றத்தில் வழக்கு தொடரப்பட்டு, துணைவேந்தா்களை நியமிக்கும் அதிகாரத்தை வேந்தரிடமிருந்து (ஆளுநா்) பறித்து, அதை அரசிடம் ஒப்படைக்கும் சட்டத் திருத்தத்துக்கு சென்னை உயா்நீதிமன்றம் தடை விதித்துள்ளது.

இந்நிலையில் தமிழக பல்கலைக்கழகங்கள் துணைவேந்தா் பதவிக்கு நியமனம் செய்வதற்கான பெயரைப் பரிந்துரைக்கவும், தேடல் குழுக்களின் பதவிக் காலத்தை நீட்டித்து 21.03.2026 வரை கூடுதல் அவகாசம் அளித்தும் தமிழக அரசு உத்தரவுகளை பிறப்பித்துள்ளது. மேலும், பெரியாா், பாரதிதாசன் பல்கலைக்கழகங்களுக்கு சட்டவிரோதமாக அமைக்கப்பட்ட தேடல் குழுகள், துணைவேந்தரைத் தோ்ந்தெடுப்பதற்காக பட்டியலிடப்பட்ட வேட்பாளா்களுடன் கடந்த 24.01.2026 மற்றும் 27.01.2026 ஆகிய தேதிகளில் கலந்துரையாடல்களையும் நடத்தியுள்ளது.

வழக்குகள் நிலுவையில் உள்ள நிலையில், தேடல் குழுக்களின் பதவிக் காலத்தை நீட்டிக்கும் மாநில அரசின் நடவடிக்கை, நீதிமன்றங்களின் உத்தரவுகளை மீறுவதாகும்.

இதனால் ஆளுநா்-வேந்தரால் பரிந்துரைத்தபடி தேடல் குழுவில் யுஜிசி தலைவரின் வேட்பாளரைச் சோ்க்க உடனடியாக உத்தரவுகளைப் பிறப்பிக்க வேண்டும் அல்லது தற்போது அரசால் அமைக்கப்பட்ட தேடல் குழுக்களின் செயல்பாட்டையும், துணைவேந்தா்களைத் தோ்ந்தெடுத்து நியமிப்பதற்கான அனைத்து நடவடிக்கைகளையும் உடனடியாக நிறுத்தி வைக்க வேண்டும் என தமிழக அரசை வேந்தரான தமிழக ஆளுநா் கேட்டுக் கொண்டுள்ளாா் என அதில் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

‘Will divide society’: SC stays new UGC equity regulations

‘Will divide society’: SC stays new UGC equity regulations 

‘Dangerous Impact On Goal Of Castelessness’ 

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesofindia.com 30.01.2026

New Delhi : Supreme Court put on hold on Thursday the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, taking serious exception to several of its provisions and saying that these could fuel societal division and have a dangerous impact on the goal of a casteless society. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard three petitions and said that while implementation of the 2026 regulations would be on hold till further orders, the 2012 regulations would continue to be in force to address grievances relating to caste-based discrimination against students on campuses of educational institutions.

 “We are sorry to say, the Regulations, prima facie, the language is completely vague, the provisions are capable of being misused, and the language needs to be re-modulated and redesigned,” the bench said and asked for the setting up of an expert panel. The CJI said, “In the country, after 75 years, whatever we have gained to move towards the goal of casteless society, are we enacting a regressive policy?” The justices said that while they were all for regulations for creation of “a free, inclusive and an equitable atmosphere in universities… there are 4-5 serious concerns. If those are not addressed, the regulations will otherwise have sweeping consequences...” 

The CJI flagged another provision in the regulations as problematic, pointing out that it proposed separate hostels based on the caste of students.

Should not go to a stage that has segregated schools: SC 

For God’s sake, please do not do that. In hostels, students from every community live together. There are inter-caste marriages also. We should move towards a casteless society by assimilating students of all regions and (students of) all castes must have equal rights and live harmoniously in universities. We cannot go backwards. There must not be any segregation.” The hearing took place amid agitation by sections of upper-caste students against the regulations for allegedly being discriminatory and exclusionary and for being oblivious to the changed socioeconomic milieu where newly empowered OBCs have also been accused of discriminating against others, including those from upper castes. Significantly, OBCs are not under purview of 2012 regulations, which snap back in action after SC’s order Thursday. 

Leading the arguments for petitioners, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said the regulations presume that only a certain category of students belonging to certain castes face discrimination in universities. They keep general category candidates outside their purview, leaving such students without remedies for discrimination faced by them. Asking Centre and UGC to respond to petitions by March 19, SC said, “We want to examine constitutional validity and legality of 2026 Regulations. We would like Union govt, with concurrence and approval of court, to constitute apanel of experts comprising eminent academicians and scholars who understand our social conditions to study regulations & its possible impacts.”