Imagine a university eager to launch a new integrated teacher education program, introduce an engineering course in a hot field, and develop a multidisciplinary Master’s degree. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages this flexibility, but navigating the various regulators can be a major hurdle. Each regulator has its own forms and timelines, complicating the process and taking time away from designing curriculums and supporting students.
India’s higher education system is the largest in the world, serving millions of students. It operates under four main regulators: the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), and the Council of Architecture (CoA). Together, they oversee about 90% of higher education. Naturally, such a vast system raises high expectations for effective educational outcomes.
The NEP 2020 recognized the need for a complete overhaul of this regulatory setup, proposing a “light but tight” framework. This means clear standards and transparency, with minimal bureaucracy. So, how can we achieve this with the current fragmented system?
Enter the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, presented in Parliament. This Bill aims to streamline the educational landscape, replacing outdated acts governing the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. The VBSA will function as an umbrella body, bringing all higher education institutions under a coordinated framework. Institutions like IITs will still maintain their autonomy.
The VBSA introduces three councils: the Regulatory Council, Accreditation Council, and Standards Council. Separating these functions helps avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring that no single body controls regulation and performance evaluations simultaneously.
The Regulatory Council will maintain standards and introduce a technology-driven system. It mandates that all institutions disclose information transparently, making it easy for students and parents to assess quality. This focus on transparency is crucial, as a recent survey found that 75% of students worry about the credibility of their institutions. The Accreditation Council will create an independent ecosystem for assessing quality, while the Standards Council will set national academic benchmarks.
Having broad representation, including state educators and domain experts, strengthens cooperative federalism. This allows states to manage their institutions while contributing to wider discussions.
For students, these changes hold great promise. With harmonized benchmarks and transparent accreditation, they’ll find it easier to choose quality programs. Reliably accessible data on aspects such as faculty and infrastructure will empower informed choices. The Bill also emphasizes student feedback, making institutions more accountable.
Institutions will benefit too. The new system reduces redundancy and allows well-performing universities more freedom to innovate and collaborate. This shift aims to create a higher education system that meets global standards while staying true to Indian values.
As with any large reform, the success of the VBSA hinges on thoughtful implementation. Universities, colleges, faculty, and students must be part of this conversation. Ultimately, the goal is to transform our higher education system into a robust foundation for India’s aspirations of growth and self-reliance.
The VBSA represents a significant step toward an education system that serves not just the local population but attracts international students, fostering a generation of informed, skilled citizens ready to contribute globally. In a rapidly changing world, it’s crucial that our education system evolves to meet new demands and prepare students for the future.
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VBSA Bill 2025, higher education regulation India, NEP 2020 reforms, UGC AICTE repeal, accreditation reforms, Indian universities policy
