Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, aimed at overhauling India’s higher education regulatory framework and empowering Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to achieve global standards of excellence.
The Bill seeks to establish the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan as an apex body for coordination and determination of standards in higher education. It proposes a unified regulatory architecture with three independent councils — the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad (Regulatory Council), Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad (Accreditation Council) and Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad (Standards Council).
As part of the reform, the Bill provides for the repeal of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, the All India Council for Technical Education Act, 1987 and the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993. UGC, AICTE and NCTE will be subsumed under the proposed Adhishthan, creating a single regulatory framework for higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education. Institutions of National Importance will continue to enjoy their existing level of autonomy, while the Council of Architecture will function as a Professional Standard Setting Body.
The proposed law aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for a fundamental transformation of the higher education regulatory system. It is based on extensive consultations and incorporates global best practices adapted to the Indian context, with an emphasis on academic autonomy, multidisciplinary education, research excellence and global competitiveness rooted in Indian values.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the Bill on December 12, for introduction in Parliament. The legislation is being introduced under Entry 66 of the Union List, which deals with coordination and determination of standards in higher education and research institutions.
According to the proposed framework, the Standards Council will be responsible for specifying minimum academic standards, the Regulatory Council will oversee coordination and enforcement of these standards, and the Accreditation Council will act as an independent authority ensuring a credible accreditation ecosystem. The Adhishthan will provide strategic direction for the holistic growth of higher education and ensure coordination among the councils.
A key feature of the Bill is the introduction of a faceless, technology-driven single-window system for regulation. HEIs will be required to make public disclosures related to governance, finances, academic programmes, infrastructure and outcomes on a comprehensive digital portal. This disclosure-based system will form the basis for accreditation, ensuring transparency, accountability and reduced regulatory burden.
The Bill also focuses on student-centric reforms, including a robust grievance redressal mechanism, enhanced institutional autonomy for high-performing HEIs, and flexible, interdisciplinary academic frameworks. It aims to expand access to quality education, improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio, promote research and innovation, and prepare skilled, future-ready youth.
