QUESTION 01
Analyse the key features of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. How do they differ from the previous 2012 framework?
Question Understanding – Finding Information
Precise Syllabus Mapping: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. (GS Paper – II)
Marks and words limit:
- The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
- The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.
Directive words:
- Analyze → Break the issue into components, explain key features, examine intent and implications, and then compare with the 2012 framework.
Focal points of the questions:
- Governance of higher education
- Social justice & equity
- Regulatory reforms (UGC)
- Institutional accountability
Dos & Don’ts
Do for Maximum Marks
- Maintain a governance and social justice lens
- Use comparative tables where possible
- Show policy intent + implications
- Keep language balanced and analytical
- End with a judgement or significance
Don’t do these Common Mistakes
- Don’t write like GS-IV (avoid moral philosophy)
- Don’t list clauses mechanically
- Don’t ignore the 2012 comparison
- Don’t take ideological positions
- Don’t over-legalise with case laws
Download Complete Answer Blueprint
- ✔ Question Understanding: Finding Information
- ✔ Answer Writing Structure
- ✔ Dos & Don’ts
- ✔ Notes-Oriented Content for Writing Answers
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"The UGC Regulations of 2026 represent a shift from 'access-based equity' to 'experience-based equity' in higher education." Critically analyse the institutional accountability mechanisms introduced by these regulations to curb caste-based discrimination.
Question Understanding – Finding Information
Precise Syllabus Mapping: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures (GS Paper – II) and Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. (GS Paper – II)
Marks and words limit:
- The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions in the question is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
- The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.
Directive words:
- Critically analyse → Examine the claim, evaluate strengths and limitations, and arrive at a reasoned judgement.
Focal points of the questions:
- Institutional accountability mechanisms
- Curbing caste-based discrimination
⇒ Do not drift into generic reservation debates.
Dos & Don’ts
Do for Maximum Marks
- Focus on governance mechanisms, not ideology
- Use critical balance (strengths + gaps)
- Keep caste discussion institutional, not emotional
- Link equity with constitutional morality
- Use sub-headings for clarity
Don’t do these Common Mistakes
- Don’t turn it into a reservation debate
- Don’t write GS-IV moral philosophy
- Don’t list regulations mechanically
- Don’t ignore implementation challenges
- Don’t end without a judgement
Download Complete Answer Blueprint
- ✔ Question Understanding: Finding Information
- ✔ Answer Writing Structure
- ✔ Dos & Don’ts
- ✔ Notes-Oriented Content for Writing Answers
Need Personal Guidance?
Struggling to write high-scoring UPSC Mains answers for 10-mark (150 words) or 15-mark (250 words) questions?
🎯 Click Here to Book a Mentoring Session