New Delhi: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday tabled the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, marking a major step towards restructuring the country’s higher education governance framework. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen higher educational institutions nationwide by ensuring effective coordination and establishing uniform academic standards, according to an official release.
The Bill draws its foundation from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which was shaped through wide-ranging consultations held across the country. Chapter 18 of the policy outlines the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the higher education regulatory architecture. Drafted under the leadership of Lt. Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairperson and head of the NEP Drafting Committee, the policy advocates a future-ready education ecosystem built on academic independence, multidisciplinary learning, strong research orientation, and global competitiveness anchored in Indian values. Reflecting this vision, the Bill incorporates international best practices that have been carefully examined, adapted, and aligned with India’s educational priorities, with a focus on equity, flexibility, and innovation.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the introduction of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 on December 12, 2025, clearing the way for its presentation before Parliament.
The legislation has been introduced under Entry 66 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, which assigns the Union government the responsibility for coordination and standard-setting in institutions of higher education, research, and scientific and technical fields.
Under the proposed framework, the Bill provides for the creation of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan as the central apex body. It will be supported by three specialised councils: the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad (Regulatory Council), the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad (Accreditation Council), and the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad (Standards Council). The legislation also proposes the repeal of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, the All India Council for Technical Education Act, 1987, and the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993.
Once enacted, all higher educational institutions currently governed by the Ministry of Education, UGC, AICTE and NCTE will fall under the standard-setting authority of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan. In line with NEP 2020 provisions, the Council of Architecture will continue to operate as a Professional Standard Setting Body. The Bill also safeguards the existing level of autonomy enjoyed by Institutions of National Importance.
