In a significant move to enforce transparency and accountability, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared 54 state private universities across India as defaulters for failing to comply with mandatory regulations under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956. The announcement, made on September 30, 2025, highlights the institutions’ failure to submit required information for inspection and to make public disclosures accessible on their websites, as mandated by the higher education regulator.

UGC Secretary Manish Joshi revealed that these universities were repeatedly directed to provide detailed information, supported by documents attested by their registrars, for inspection purposes. Additionally, they were instructed to upload this information in a prescribed format on their websites, ensuring easy access for students and the public. “Despite several reminders via e-mails and online meetings, these institutions have not complied,” Joshi stated, emphasizing the UGC’s commitment to enforcing its guidelines.

The UGC’s public self-disclosure guidelines require higher education institutions to maintain functional websites with transparent, easily accessible information. This includes placing key details on the homepage without requiring registration or login and providing a search facility for seamless navigation. The failure of these 54 universities to adhere to these standards has raised concerns about their commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.

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Madhya Pradesh leads the list with 10 defaulter universities, followed by Gujarat with eight, Sikkim with five, and Uttarakhand with four. Other states also feature on the list, which the UGC has publicly circulated to urge immediate corrective action. The regulator has warned that continued non-compliance could lead to stricter measures, signaling a robust crackdown on errant institutions.

This development follows the UGC’s recent efforts to tighten oversight of private universities. In July 2025, the commission issued warnings to 23 institutions for failing to appoint ombudspersons, a mandatory requirement to address student grievances. The UGC’s intensified monitoring reflects its determination to uphold academic standards and protect the interests of students and stakeholders.

The list of defaulters has sparked widespread discussion, with students, parents, and academic communities calling for greater accountability. The UGC has urged the non-compliant universities to act swiftly to rectify their lapses, emphasizing that transparency is non-negotiable in higher education. As the regulator continues its vigilance, the spotlight remains on these institutions to restore compliance and public trust.

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