New Delhi: The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill 2025 has been sent to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the JPC will hold extensive discussions and finalize the bill by the end of February. Pradhan also clarified that the new legislation will not change existing policies for state universities.
Bill’s Journey and Purpose
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill 2025, previously known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. Following strong opposition from Members of Parliament, the Education Minister moved the bill to a joint parliamentary committee on Tuesday.
Minister Pradhan stated the proposed legislation aims to address long-standing issues in higher education. He added these reforms are mandatory to elevate India’s higher education system to global standards. India currently has approximately 60,000 higher education institutions, 1,200 universities, and about 15,000 teachers in these institutions.
State Universities Policy Unchanged
The University Grants Commission (UGC) currently acts as an overall regulator, responsible for regulations and funding. The presence of multiple regulators, including the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), alongside the UGC, led to the need for a uniform framework, Pradhan explained.
While the Centre claims the bill will strengthen institutional autonomy, accreditation, and quality, and promote excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation, several educators, academics, and student groups have raised concerns. Pradhan addressed these concerns, clarifying that state universities will continue to function without policy changes. The bill seeks to bring seamless regulation, remove subjectivity, and address the fragmented penalty system under the existing framework.
Addressing Concerns and New Framework
Minister Pradhan confirmed the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill will introduce a new ranking framework. Students will contribute to institutional ranking through structured feedback on academic quality, infrastructure, governance, and overall learning experience. This aims to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
The new framework will also include industry representation in various councils, alongside academicians. The ministry stated that membership of the Adhishthan and its councils will primarily comprise eminent academicians, domain experts, and representatives from States/Union Territories, State Higher Education Institutions, and Institutions of National Importance. This composition aims to ensure balanced representation and informed decision-making.
Structure of VBSA
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan will comprise three independent councils:
- Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad (Standards Council): This council will set minimum standards for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
- Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad (Regulatory Council): This council will handle regulations, coordination, and global engagement.
- Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad (Accreditation Council): This council will oversee and strengthen the accreditation ecosystem.
Repealing Existing Acts
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill will repeal the UGC Act 1956, the AICTE Act 1987, and the NCTE Act 1993. All educational institutions will come under the purview of the new commission once the bill is enacted.