What happened: UGC unified the Section 2(f) and Section 12B recognition portal
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has developed a unified online portal for grant of recognition under Section 2(f) and Section 12B for higher education institutions. The Ministry of Education stated that UGC developed the unified portal after receiving feedback from stakeholders.
Background and earlier position: UGC used multiple digital systems for higher education governance
Before the unified portal for Section 2(f) and Section 12B, UGC had already developed multiple web portals and online systems to move towards digital and transparent governance in higher education. The Ministry of Education stated that UGC has developed online portals and systems for: grant of Autonomous status to collegesgrant of Deemed-to-be University statusDistance Education Bureau (DEB) for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programmes across Indian higher education institutions
What changed now: a single online entry point for Section 2(f) and Section 12B
UGC consolidated the recognition process for Section 2(f) and Section 12B into one unified online portal. UGC’s approach links digital governance with recognition decisions by using a common online interface for institutions seeking these statuses.
Related current affairs
- UGC identifies 32 fake universities; action initiated to protect students
- Panel defers final meeting on higher education Bill amid objections from A.P.
- Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025: technology-driven single-window regulation for HEIs
- Digital pension reforms: Bhavishya system, Jeevan Pramaan Aadhaar-based life certificates, and CPENGRAMS
- UGC warns against misleading EdTech franchises and fake universities in ODL/online programmes
- Ministry of Minority Affairs to leverage AI and digital technologies under IndiaAI Mission for scheme implementation and citizen-centric delivery