Proposal for Regulatory Exemptions under UGC "Distinct Institution" Norms to Establish an Inverted, IKS-Centric Deemed-to-be-University

 

POLICY PROPOSAL

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of decolonizing higher education and promoting indigenous epistemologies, this proposal requests specific regulatory waivers and structural exemptions under the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.

We seek authorization to establish a pilot "Inverted IKS-First Deemed-to-be-University" under the "Distinct Institution" category. Unlike conventional models that treat IKS as a peripheral credit requirement (5–10% add-on), this institution will establish IKS—specifically Epistemology (Nyaya), Linguistics (Vyakarana), Mental Discipline (Yoga), and Ethical Governance (Dharma)—as its 80% foundational core, utilizing modern STEM and professional subjects as specialized 20% applied toolkits.

To execute this pilot without compromising graduate employability or degree recognition, we request targeted regulatory exemptions from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

1. STATUTORY GROUNDING: THE "DISTINCT INSTITUTION" CLAUSE

Under Clause 2.11 of the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023, a "Distinct Institution" is defined as an entity focused on teaching/research in unique disciplines, addressing strategic needs, or preserving Indian cultural heritage. Clause 4.01 explicitly permits exemptions from standard operational and eligibility criteria for such distinct entities. We submit this application under this statutory provision.

2. SPECIFIC REGULATORY EXEMPTIONS REQUESTED─────────────┴───────────────────────────────┘

Exemption A: Degree Nomenclature & Structural Authorization (UGC Section 22)

• The Constraint: Standard degree specifications (B.A., B.Sc., B.Tech.) mandate fixed disciplinary credit distributions, preventing an inverted model where IKS constitutes the core major.
  
  
• Exemption Requested: Sanction to award innovative dual-nomenclature degrees—such as Bachelor of Vidya (B.Vidya) in Applied Computer Science or B.Vidya in Sustainable Infrastructure—where the transcript explicitly validates 80% core competency in IKS epistemology alongside modern technical capabilities.
  
  

Exemption B: Faculty Qualification Norms (UGC Minimum Qualifications Regulations)

• The Constraint: UGC mandates PhDs and UGC-NET qualification for assistant professorships. Traditional scholars trained in classical Pathashalas or Gurukulas—who possess deep mastery over Navya-Nyaya, Paninian Grammar, or Ayurveda—frequently lack formal PhDs. Current "Professor of Practice" guidelines cap non-PhD hires at 10%.
  
  
• Exemption Requested: Waive the PhD/NET requirement for traditional scholars holding recognized traditional titles (e.g., Acharya, Vidvat). Allow up to 50% of the core faculty to be recruited under a specialized "Vidvat-in-Residence / Professor of Traditional Epistemology" cadre with salary parity to full professors.
  
  

Exemption C: Technical Credit Architecture (AICTE Model Curriculum)

• The Constraint: AICTE requires engineering/technical programs to devote 160+ credits strictly to standardized STEM subjects, leaving no room for a dominant IKS core.
  
  
• Exemption Requested: Permit a hybrid credit architecture for technical streams. AICTE technical competencies (e.g., algorithms, calculus, data structures) will be delivered as accelerated, tool-based modules integrated into Paninian logic and Nyaya proof systems, replacing standard introductory STEM lecture hours.
  
  

Exemption D: Flexible Assessment & Progression (Academic Bank of Credits / ABC)

• The Constraint: UGC ABC rules measure progress via rigid time-bound seat-hours (15 hours = 1 credit). Classical pedagogy requires Mastery-Based Progression (Shastrartha), where a student advances only upon demonstrating domain mastery.
  
  
• Exemption Requested: Exemption from rigid hourly credit tracking in favor of a Competency and Defense-Based Credit Equivalence Framework. Credits will be assigned when a student successfully passes oral public defenses (Shastrartha) and demonstrates applied competency, regardless of time elapsed.
  
  

3. PILOT GOVERNANCE & QUALITY ASSURANCE

To ensure that this experimental university maintains world-class academic rigor and output, the institution will adopt a two-tier quality assurance model:

1. Academic Council with Dual-Chairs: Every academic department will be co-chaired by a traditional IKS scholar (Acharya) and an established modern academic/industry leader (e.g., an IIT/IIM professor or tech leader).
   
   
2. National Oversight Committee: A Ministry-appointed committee comprising representatives from the IKS Division (MoE), UGC, AICTE, and industry partners will audit the university annually against published quality benchmarks.
   
   

4. EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND STRATEGIC VALUE

Establishing this pilot "Distinct Institution" will:

• Fulfill NEP 2020 Commitments: Move beyond symbolic IKS implementation to create a functional prototype for decolonized, holistic education.
  
  
• Produce Systemic Thinkers: Graduate students equipped with superior logical precision (Navya-Nyaya), mental discipline, and strong ethical grounding alongside modern technical skills.
  
  
• Establish Global Precedent: Position India as a global leader in integrating ancient cognitive frameworks with modern technology and systems design.
  
  

PRAYER FOR ACTION

The Ministry of Education is requested to:

1. Grant "Distinct Institution" status under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
   
   
2. Form a Joint UGC-AICTE Committee to formalize the regulatory exemptions outlined in Section 2 for an initial 10-year experimental window.