In exercise of the powers conferred by clauses f and g ofsubSection 1 of Section 26 of the University Grants Commission Act

## Report on the University Grants Commission Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits in Higher Education First Amendment Regulations, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the University Grants Commission (UGC) Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits in Higher Education First Amendment Regulations, 2021, as published in the Gazette of India on December 28, 2021. This amendment modifies the original regulations issued on July 28, 2021, specifically concerning the eligibility criteria for institutions participating in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework. The key change involves the modification of Regulation 7 concerning eligible institutions and omits sub-regulation 2, and renumbers subsequent sub-regulations. This report provides an overview of the amendment, its rationale, key changes, and potential impact. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed analysis of the University Grants Commission Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits in Higher Education First Amendment Regulations, 2021, based solely on the published gazette notification dated December 28, 2021. This analysis aims to inform stakeholders about the specific changes introduced by this amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** University Grants Commission Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits in Higher Education Regulations, 2021 (Notification No. 14312018CPPII dated 28th July, 2021). * **Core Objective(s):** While the original policy document is not provided, the amendment text implies that the core objective of the original policy is to establish and operationalize an Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system within the higher education framework. This system facilitates the storage, transfer, and redemption of academic credits earned by students. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely addresses specific implementation challenges or perceived limitations within the original regulations regarding the eligibility criteria for institutions to participate in the ABC framework. The amendment's focus on Regulation 7, which concerns eligible institutions, suggests that the original criteria may have been deemed too restrictive, unclear, or impractical. The specific change to sub-regulation 1, and omission of sub-regulation 2 (and subsequent renumbering) suggest a re-evaluation or simplification of the requirements for universities and colleges to be part of the ABC ecosystem. The details of the issues leading to these changes are not explicitly stated within the provided text, but the amendment indicates a need for adjustment. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section focuses specifically on the changes introduced by the amendment: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Regulation 7 of the principal regulations, which pertains to the eligibility criteria for institutions to participate in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework. * **New Rule/Provision:** * Sub-regulation 1 of Regulation 7 is amended and shall read as follows: "Universities and Autonomous Colleges satisfying subregulation 2 of regulation 1 and the Institutions of National Importance as declared by the Government of India and specially empowered by an Act of Parliament to confer or grant degrees." * Sub-regulation 2 of Regulation 7 is omitted. * Sub-regulations 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Regulation 7 shall be read as 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** * The amendment to sub-regulation 1 of regulation 7 appears to clarify, and possibly broaden, the type of institutions that are eligible, by including specific reference to autonomous colleges "satisfying subregulation 2 of regulation 1" and Institutions of National Importance. * The omission of sub-regulation 2 of regulation 7 suggests the removal of a specific eligibility criterion. Without the original regulation, it is impossible to know the full extent of the change, but it likely removes some requirement that institutions previously had to meet. * The renumbering of the sub-regulations is a simple consequence of the omission of sub-regulation 2. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * Universities * Autonomous Colleges satisfying subregulation 2 of regulation 1 * Institutions of National Importance as declared by the Government of India and specially empowered by an Act of Parliament to confer or grant degrees. * The broader higher education community involved in implementing and utilizing the Academic Bank of Credits framework. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the responsible body for implementing and overseeing the Academic Bank of Credits framework. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, which was December 28, 2021. No other specific timelines or procedures are outlined in this amendment. The specifics of how institutions will demonstrate their compliance with the amended eligibility criteria are not detailed in the provided text. * **Specific to changes:** Given the removal of sub-regulation 2, any reporting or evaluation that had been based on the provisions of that section will need to be altered. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these specific changes is to potentially broaden participation in the Academic Bank of Credits framework by modifying eligibility requirements. This could facilitate greater adoption of the ABC system and enable more students to benefit from the credit transfer and accumulation opportunities it provides. This will likely lead to additional guidance from the UGC on the interpretation and application of the new and amended regulations, to ensure clarity and consistency in implementation across different higher education institutions. **9. Conclusion:** The University Grants Commission Establishment and Operation of Academic Bank of Credits in Higher Education First Amendment Regulations, 2021, represents a refinement of the initial policy framework for the Academic Bank of Credits. The amendment focuses on modifying the eligibility criteria for institutions to participate in the ABC system. This change is likely intended to address perceived limitations within the original regulations and promote broader adoption of the ABC framework. This amendment signifies the ongoing evolution of the higher education credit system in India and its adaptation to the needs of a diverse range of institutions and students.

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