Comply with guidelines on public self-disclosure: UGC to universities

To be sure, offering biannual admissions is not mandatory for the HEIs.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed higher education institutions (HEIs) to comply with the approved ‘Guidelines on Public Self-Disclosure by Higher Education Institutions, 2024’.

As per the guidelines, all institutions are required to maintain a functional website to provide relevant information to stakeholders. The information disclosed on the website should be easily accessible to everyone without any need for registration or login. Additionally, there should be a 'search facility’ available for easy navigation.

“The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasises transparent self-disclosure by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Public self-disclosure by HEIs, in fact, is one of the fundamental principles of the NEP. The NEP contemplates that HEIs shall be responsible and accountable to the stakeholders through transparent self-disclosure of all relevant records,” the UGC said in an official circular.

The availability of information in the public domain is an important source of accountability' stakeholders in the higher education system, such as students, parents, research scholars, prospective students, regulatory bodies, accreditation agencies, alumni, and the public, desire to seek information from the websites of HEIs, the UGC said.

The regular further added that it has considered the matter, in its 58oth meeting held on May 15, 2024, and approved the ‘Guidelines on Public Self-Disclosure by Higher Education Institutions, 2024’.

“The Higher Education Institutions are requested to take necessary measures to comply with the guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent system that will contribute to the growth of the Indian Higher Education system,” the regulator said.