The real equity gap in higher education

The new University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)) Regulations, 2026, have sparked considerable debate and protests within academic circles and among the general public, both in support of and in opposition. Although the Supreme Court has stayed their implementation, observing that they are vague and potentially open to misuse, the issue has raised several important academic questions — particularly regarding the empirical aspects of equity, discrimination, and caste-based crimes.

One of the most important measures of equity is the representation of various social groups in employment and education at different levels within HEIs. A look at Table 1, based on the UGC Annual Report 2023, reveals four key trends in Central universities.