The UGC’s 2025 regulations, unveiled by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan , simplify and revise the Vice-Chancellor selection process for universities across India.

Key Guidelines on Appointment of Vice-Chancellors

Mandatory Composition of the Search-cum-Selection Committee

• The composition of the Search-cum-Selection Committee is now mandatory for the selection of Vice-Chancellors in all universities established under a Central Act, Provincial Act, or State Act.
• The Chancellor or Visitor shall constitute the Search-cum-Selection Committee, which will include three experts for appointing Vice-Chancellors.

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Need of Revised Process

• Previously, the regulations stated that the selection for the post of Vice-Chancellor should be conducted by a panel of 3–5 persons formed by a Search-cum-Selection Committee.
  •  However, they did not specify who would constitute the committee.
• The new regulations clarify that the Chancellor will appoint the selection committee, and this process applies to state universities as well.

Governor’s Role as Vice Chancellor

• Governors, in their capacity as Chancellors of state universities, now have greater control over the selection process and retain the final say in Vice-Chancellor appointments.
• The regulation does not explicitly mention the Governor, stating only that the Chancellor shall appoint the selection committee.

Vice Chancellor Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates for the position of Vice-Chancellor no longer need to be professors.
• Eligible candidates include individuals with at least ten years of senior-level experience in industry, public administration, public policy, or public sector undertakings, provided they have a proven track record of significant academic or scholarly contributions.
• Previously, candidates were required to be distinguished academicians with at least ten years of experience as a professor or in a prominent academic or research leadership role.

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Powers and Duties of Vice Chancellor

• The Vice-Chancellor shall be the Principal executive and Academic officer of the University.
• The Vice Chancellor shall be an ex-officio member and Chairman of the Executive Council, Academic Council and the Finance Committee of the University

Transparency in Selection

• The selection process will involve advertisements in all-India newspapers and public notifications.
• Applications can be submitted through nominations or via a search process conducted by the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
• Earlier, State Cabinets recommended the Chancellor’s nominee for this committee.
  • However, in some states, Governors as Chancellors began nominating their own candidates, leading to conflicts with state governments.

Members of the Search-cum-Selection Committee

• The committee will comprise the following members:
  • A nominee of the Visitor/Chancellor, who will act as the Chairperson.
  • A nominee of the Chairman of the University Grants Commission.
  • A nominee of the apex body of the university, such as the Syndicate, Senate, Executive Council, Board of Management, or an equivalent body.

Appointment Terms

• The Chancellor or Visitor of the university will appoint the Vice-Chancellor from the panel of names recommended by the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
• The Vice-Chancellor’s term will be five years or until they reach the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
• Vice-Chancellors are eligible for reappointment for one additional term, following the prescribed appointment procedure.
• Appointments made outside the prescribed regulations will be considered null and void.

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Impact of Non-Compliance

• Universities that fail to implement these guidelines risk exclusion from UGC schemes.
• Non-compliance could lead to loss of eligibility to offer degree programs.
• Such institutions may also be removed from the list of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) maintained under Sections 2(f) and 12B of the UGC Act, 1956.

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