Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar steps down as UGC chief after introducing CUET, FYUP and NEP-driven higher education reforms
Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar has retired from his post as UGC Chairperson after leading key reforms like CUET, FYUP and digital education in line with NEP 2020. The UGC praised his commitment to student-focused higher education policy.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) announced on April 7 that its chairperson, Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, has stepped down from the role. The UGC shared a message on social media thanking him and calling his time in office one that brought several big changes focused on students and institutions across the higher education sector.
From JNU to UGC
Professor Kumar was appointed as UGC chairperson in February 2022, following his term as the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. His leadership at the UGC was marked by key steps in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Farewell to Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar ?
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) April 7, 2025
The University Grants Commission bids a heartfelt farewell to Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar (@mamidala90).
His tenure was marked by a series of unprecedented student-centric reforms and far-reaching institutional changes across the… pic.twitter.com/vJH2A0nHZ4
A term of major academic reforms
During his tenure, many major changes were introduced. These included the launch of the National Credit Framework and the Academic Bank of Credits, which aim to offer more flexibility to students. Degree courses were restructured to allow multiple entry and exit points, giving learners the freedom to pause and resume education.
The eligibility for PhD was also made more flexible for candidates who qualified for NET or JRF. A new four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) was introduced, and entrance tests like CUET were made mandatory for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. The use of digital platforms like SWAYAM and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) was also pushed to promote online education.
End of tenure at 65
Prof Kumar's term ended as he reached the age of 65, the official retirement age for the position. The UGC praised his passion for education and his efforts to promote NEP 2020 throughout his time in office.
A farewell message
In a message sent to Indiatimes, the former chairman confirmed his retirement.
The UGC wished him well for the future and said his ability to connect with people and his dedication to education will be remembered warmly.
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Nancy Jaiswal is a journalist who started her career in reporting and has covered both hard and soft news. From serious city news developments to lighthearted lifestyle pieces, she has written on almost everything hapenning in India (except maybe alien invasions—yet!). For her, writing isn’t just work; it’s a passion, an obsession, and sometimes the reason she forgets to reply to texts.
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