About

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) came into existence in 1953.
• It became a statutory organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, by an Act of Parliament (UGC Act) in 1956.
• It was established for the promotion and co-ordination of University education and for the determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in Universities, and for the purpose of performing its functions under the UGC Act.
• The offices of the UGC are located in three locations in Delhi.

Responsibilities

• The UGC has the unique distinction of being the only grant-giving agency in the country which has been vested with two responsibilities: 
  • Providing funds and 
  • Coordination, determination and maintenance of standards in institutions of higher education.
• The UGC`s mandate includes:
  • Promoting and coordinating university education.
  • Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
  • Framing regulations on minimum standards of education.
  • Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.
  • Serving as a vital link between the Union and state governments and institutions of higher learning.
  • Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for improvement of university education