Overview
The UGC has introduced a single online portal for colleges to apply for 2(f) and 12B status. This move aligns with the NEP 2020 vision of a digital, transparent higher‑education ecosystem. At the same time, the government is examining the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, which seeks a technology‑driven, single‑window regulatory framework for all higher‑education institutions.
Key Developments
- UGC consolidates multiple grant‑related portals into one unified system for 2(f) and 12B applications.
- Existing portals for autonomous status, deemed‑university status, and the DEB continue to operate, but will eventually integrate with the new system.
- The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 proposes a single‑window, technology‑driven regulatory model based on public self‑disclosure.
- The Bill is currently under scrutiny by a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament.
- Dr Sukanta Majumdar communicated these updates in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 5 August 2026.
Important Facts
The new portal aims to reduce manual intervention, cut processing time, and increase accountability. By linking all grant applications to a single interface, institutions can track their status in real time. The Bill’s emphasis on “public self‑disclosure” means that colleges must publish key compliance data online, enabling peer and citizen monitoring.
Exam Relevance
Understanding these reforms is crucial for GS II (Polity) and GS I (Education) papers. The shift to a technology‑driven regulatory model reflects broader trends in governance, such as e‑governance and digital transparency, which are frequently asked in essay and answer‑t