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The 'Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill -2025' was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday December 15, 2025 and provides for major changes to the higher education system. This bill, which was previously known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, received Cabinet approval on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Introducing the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill in the Lok Sabha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "The purpose of this bill is to reform higher education. To this end, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan will be created, which will set several essential standards for the education system and help institutions function independently. The main proposal in the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill is that a commission consisting of three councils will act as the single regulator for higher education."
New Higher Education Commission Will Have Three Wings
According to media reports, the bill which was previously known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, received Cabinet approval on Friday December 12, 2025. The bill proposes that the new Higher Education Commission will have three wings: The Regulatory Council , The Accreditation Council and The Standards Council . This 12-member commission will include the president of each council, the Union Higher Education Secretary, two renowned academics from state higher education institutions, five experts and a member secretary.
The Bill Will Impose Fines Ranging From ₹10 Lakh To ₹2 crore
The proposed bill states that institutions violating its regulations could face fines ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh and repeated offenses could result in a minimum penalty of ₹75 lakh or suspension. It also provides for a fine of up to ₹2 crore for those establishing universities without government approval.
The Proposed Bill Would Allow Foreign Universities To Open In India
Under the 'Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, some foreign universities will be able to open campuses in India, subject to government-imposed conditions. These government regulations will be mandatory. Furthermore, new rules will apply to foreign universities already operating in India. Furthermore high-performing Indian universities will also be permitted to open campuses abroad.
The Purpose Of The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill
Is to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The bill aims to create a plan to transform higher education institutions into multidisciplinary institutions of education and research.
It will also work to develop India as a major center of education and promote Indian knowledge, languages and arts. The commission will direct the three councils and provide financial support for their functioning.
