India’s Education System Set for Major Overhaul: Experts Explain the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill

New Delhi: The Central Government is preparing to introduce a single regulatory body for higher education – the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (Developed India Education Institution). The bill has been sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for review. Once enacted, the bill is expected to bring significant changes to India’s higher education system.

Streamlining Quality in Teaching Institutions:
Under the new system, every teaching institution will undergo a standardized assessment process. Currently, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) regulates teacher education institutions but lacks the authority to conduct third-party audits, impose fines, or enforce stepwise corrective action.

Last year, the Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) were implemented to check for dummy institutions, fake teachers, and non-performing students, revealing 3,500 suspicious institutions, of which over 1,000 cases are now in courts.

Expanding Course Offerings:
Prof. Pankaj Arora, Chairman of NCTE, stated that teaching institutions will now have the flexibility to offer multi-disciplinary courses such as BA, BCom, BSc, and skill-based programs alongside teacher education programs. According to NEP 2020, by 2030, all teacher education institutions are expected to become multi-disciplinary institutions, and the new bill will facilitate easier approval of new courses.

Single Application Window for Courses:
Applicants will no longer need to apply at multiple places for approval of new courses. A single-window application system will streamline the process. The new Professional Standard Setting Body (PSSB) under the bill will oversee course design, teaching rules, eligibility criteria, and academic standards, ensuring improved teaching quality.

Third-Party Audits and Penalties:
Currently, NCTE does not have the authority to conduct third-party audits or impose staged penalties. The new commission will enable independent assessments of institutions and introduce fines as a regulatory measure, supplementing existing actions like revoking recognition. This will ensure transparent monitoring and accountability in higher education.

Bill Structure:
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill 2025 proposes the creation of a single apex body overseeing three councils:

1. Regulatory Council – Developed India Education Regulation Council
2. Accreditation Council – Developed India Education Quality Council
3. Standards Council – Developed India Education Standards Council

Addressing Fake Institutions:
Earlier this year, NCTE sought PARs from over 15,000 teaching institutions. Around 3,500 did not submit reports; of these, 1,050 went to court, and 2,500 remained unverified. With the new higher education commission, third-party audits will provide a clear and accurate picture of all institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability for the government and the public.