The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared 54 state private universities across India as defaulters for failing to comply with mandatory disclosure norms under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956. According to the Commission, these universities did not submit essential institutional details or failed to upload mandatory self-disclosure information on their official websites, despite repeated reminders and communications from the UGC.

The UGC mandates that all universities must maintain a functional and transparent website containing details such as faculty information, course structure, governance, accreditation status, and financial transparency. These details should be accessible from the homepage without requiring any login or password. The regulator found that 54 institutions had not followed these requirements, thereby violating public disclosure norms meant to ensure transparency and accountability in higher education.

Among the states, Madhya Pradesh topped the list with ten defaulter universities, followed by Gujarat with eight, Sikkim with five, and Uttarakhand with four. Other states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh also featured prominently in the list. The Commission has directed these institutions to take corrective measures immediately, warning that failure to comply could invite further regulatory action, including inspections or withdrawal of recognition.

Major Universities Named in the Defaulters List

Some of the prominent institutions included in the list are Amity University (Patna and Jharkhand), Azim Premji University (Bhopal), Dr. D.Y. Patil Dnyan Prasad University (Pune), and Alard University (Maharashtra). Others include Krishnaguru Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Assam), Maharishi University of Management and Technology (Chhattisgarh), Bir Tikendrajit University (Manipur), and TeamLease Skills University (Gujarat).

In Madhya Pradesh, the ten defaulting institutions include Azim Premji University, Aryavart University, Dr. Preeti Global University, Gyanveer University, J.N.C.T. Professional University, LNCT Vidyapeeth University, Mahakaushal University, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Mansarovar Global University, and Shubham University.

In Gujarat, the list features Gandhinagar University, J.G. University, K.N. University, M.K. University (Patan), Plastindia International University, Surendranagar University, TeamLease Skills University, and TransStadia University (Ahmedabad). Meanwhile, Sikkim has five defaulter universities—Medhavi Skills University, Sikkim Alpine University, Sikkim Global Technical University, Sikkim International University, and Sikkim Skill University.

State-Wise Highlights

In Bihar, the UGC listed Amity University (Patna), Dr. C.V. Raman University, and Sandip University among the defaulters. Jharkhand’s defaulters include AISECT University, Capital University, and Sai Nath University. From Uttar Pradesh, Agrawan Heritage University, Monad University, Major S.D. Singh University, and F.S. University were mentioned. Uttarakhand’s four institutions include Maya Devi University, Mind Power University, Smt. Manjra Devi University, and Surajmal University.

In the northeast, Manipur saw Alian International University, Bir Tikendrajit University, and Manipur International University on the list, while Tripura’s Techno India University also featured. Goa’s India International University of Legal Education and Research, Haryana’s NIILM University, and Rajasthan’s OPJS University were among others cited for non-compliance.

Why This Matters

The move by the UGC highlights growing concerns about transparency and governance among private higher education institutions in India. The Commission’s public notice serves as a warning to universities that have not been adhering to mandatory disclosure norms. For students and parents, the list is a critical tool to assess institutional credibility before taking admission. While being on the defaulter list does not immediately invalidate a university’s degrees, it raises red flags regarding governance and compliance.

UGC’s Next Steps

The UGC has asked all the defaulting universities to ensure full compliance within a fixed timeframe. The Commission may initiate inspections or consider further punitive measures if the institutions fail to comply. It has also urged students to verify a university’s recognition status and disclosure compliance before enrolling.

As India’s higher education landscape expands, the UGC’s action underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability among private universities. The Commission aims to ensure that every student, regardless of state or institution, has access to accurate and publicly available information about their university’s functioning, faculty, and governance.

The IIT Council has announced a major initiative to make high-quality education in cutting-edge technologies accessible to students across India. As part of this move, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will now offer free online courses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Cybersecurity through the government’s SWAYAM portal.

These courses are designed to benefit both undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to enhance their knowledge in fast-growing technology fields. The initiative is also aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), which emphasizes the integration of digital learning and future-ready skills in higher education.

According to officials, students can register for these courses on the SWAYAM platform without paying any fee. The lectures will be designed and delivered by experienced faculty from top IITs. Students who successfully complete the program and pass the assessments will be awarded certificates from IITs, which will add significant value to their academic and professional profiles.

The courses will cover applications of Artificial Intelligence, fundamentals of Quantum Computing, and practical aspects of Cybersecurity. Designed with flexibility in mind, the programs will allow students to learn at their own pace through pre-recorded lectures, assignments, and interactive Q&A sessions.

This initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students across the country, particularly those from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, by giving them access to advanced technology education that was earlier limited to premier institutes.

Patna – The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has issued a significant recruitment notification for 539 Associate Professor vacancies in Government Engineering Colleges operating under the Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education, Bihar. The notification, released on August 13, 2025, marks one of the largest higher education recruitment drives in the state this year, aiming to strengthen the teaching and research capacity of technical institutions.

Application Dates and Process

The online application process will commence on August 18, 2025, and will remain open until September 12, 2025. Eligible candidates can apply through the official websites bpsc.bihar.gov.in and bpsconline.bihar.gov.in. First-time applicants must complete the One Time Registration (OTR) before filling out the form. The application procedure includes uploading academic and professional documents, paying the requisite fee, and submitting the form online. BPSC advises applicants to carefully read the official notification to understand all requirements before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for these posts, candidates must possess a Ph.D. in the relevant engineering discipline along with first-class marks at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, a minimum of eight years of teaching, research, or industry experience is mandatory, which must include at least two years after obtaining the Ph.D. The candidate should also have a proven research record, with six publications in SCI/UGC/AICTE-approved journals.

Selection Methodology

The recruitment will be conducted on a merit-based evaluation system. Academic qualifications will account for 20% of the score, research contributions and relevant experience will make up 60%, and the remaining 20% will be based on performance in the interview or viva-voce. The selection aims to identify candidates with strong academic backgrounds, research excellence, and effective teaching capabilities.

Salary and Benefits

The Associate Professor post carries a Pay Level 13A1 in the 7th Pay Commission matrix, with an entry pay of ₹1,31,400 per month along with applicable allowances. This remuneration makes it one of the highest-paying teaching positions in the state government sector, reflecting the importance placed on attracting top academic talent.

Application Fees

The application fee is ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. For SC/ST candidates of Bihar, women applicants domiciled in Bihar, and PwD candidates with 40% or more disability, the fee is ₹25. An additional ₹200 biometric fee will apply for candidates who do not provide an Aadhaar number during registration.

Significance of the Recruitment

This recruitment is expected to bolster Bihar’s technical education framework by filling long-pending vacancies in engineering colleges. It aligns with the government’s efforts to improve the quality of technical education and research in the state, which is essential for developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting industrial and technological challenges.