16/03/2026
HEC – The Light but Tight Regulator
Dr. Jawahar Lal Raina
Chancellor, RAAPTI
The proposed replacement of the University Grants Commission (UGC) with the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) marks an important step in the reform of India’s higher education governance. This transformation has been envisioned under the framework of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
For decades, UGC has played a pivotal role in funding universities, regulating institutions, and maintaining academic standards. However, over time it became evident that combining multiple roles—regulation, funding, accreditation, and academic standard-setting—within a single body created structural limitations and slowed decision-making within the higher education ecosystem.
The proposed HECI structure aims to address these challenges by separating these functions into distinct and specialized verticals. Regulation, accreditation, funding, and academic standard-setting will operate through independent mechanisms, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
The guiding philosophy behind this reform is the concept of a “light but tight” regulator—a system where institutions are granted greater academic autonomy and operational freedom, while the regulatory framework remains firm in ensuring quality, ethical governance, and academic standards.
For universities and institutions like RAAPTI, this shift represents an opportunity. It encourages innovation, academic excellence, and responsible institutional governance, while ensuring that the broader national goals of quality education and global competitiveness are maintained.
If implemented with clarity and commitment, the Higher Education Commission of India can become a transformative institution—one that strengthens India’s higher education landscape while empowering universities to pursue excellence with accountability.
