Implement reservation policies in temporary appointments: UGC directive to Universities
Babushahi Network
New Delhi, February 26, 2026: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a significant circular to the Vice-Chancellors of all Universities (Central, State, Deemed to be, and Law Universities) regarding the implementation of reservation policies in temporary appointments.
In a letter dated February 16, 2026, Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary, UGC, reiterated the mandatory instruction to implement the Government of India's reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). This applies to all temporary appointments that are to last for 45 days or more.
Key takeaways from the directive:
* Strict Compliance: The UGC has called for strict compliance with the reservation directives in all temporary appointments across universities and their constituent/affiliated colleges.
* Policy Reiteration: This communication serves as a reiteration of previous instructions and is in alignment with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Office Memoranda.
* Data Collection: To assess the extent of adherence, universities have been requested to provide details of all contractual appointments for teaching, non-teaching, and administrative staff made during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years via the UGC UAMP Portal.
This move emphasizes the ongoing commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equitable representation within the workforce of India's higher education institutions.
