Published on October 13, 2025
Delhi, India
In a timely intervention amid escalating debates, the Indian government announced the formation of a high-level expert panel on October 13, 2025, to comprehensively review the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for undergraduate programs in 2025. This move addresses widespread concerns over “grave defects” in the drafts for nine subjects—Anthropology, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Geography, Home Science, Mathematics, Physical Education, and Political Science—ranging from factual inaccuracies and outdated content to perceived ideological impositions under the guise of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision for flexible, multidisciplinary learning, the drafts have drawn sharp rebukes from opposition-ruled states like Kerala and Karnataka, over 900 mathematicians, and student groups. With implementation looming for the 2025-26 academic year, this panel represents a pivotal effort to safeguard academic integrity, federal autonomy, and student readiness in India’s vast higher education ecosystem serving over 4 crore undergraduates.
Background: Timeline of UGC Draft Release and Initial Reactions
The UGC’s draft LOCF emerged as part of NEP 2020’s push for outcome-oriented, holistic curricula with multiple entry-exit options in a 4-year undergraduate structure. Released in early August 2025, the frameworks integrate IKS—referencing ancient texts like the Upanishads, Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and concepts such as ‘Ram Rajya’—alongside modern skills like digital literacy and entrepreneurship. Public comments were invited until September 20, 2025, but backlash intensified rapidly, leading to state-level scrutiny and petitions.
- August 2025: Draft Release and State Responses – UGC publishes drafts on August 8, 2025; Kerala forms a panel on August 28, 2025, led by economist Prabhat Patnaik with historian Romila Thapar as invitee, to evaluate ideological undertones; Karnataka announces opposition on August 28, 2025, forming a committee under the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KHEC).
- September 2025: Escalating Criticisms – Kerala’s panel submits report on September 25, 2025, flagging “ideologically driven content” and violations of university autonomy; Over 900 experts petition UGC on September 18, 2025, demanding withdrawal of the Mathematics draft for omitting core topics like real analysis.
- October 13, 2025: Centre’s Intervention – Amid unresolved tensions, the Ministry of Education constitutes the national expert panel, consulting original drafters and stakeholders for revisions ahead of 2025-26 rollout.
This sequence underscores the tension between NEP’s innovative goals and concerns over centralization, with earlier precedents like Bengal’s January 2025 panel for UGC regulations highlighting ongoing federal frictions.
Key Criticisms: Identifying the ‘Grave Defects’ in the Drafts
Stakeholders have pinpointed structural, content, and ideological flaws, arguing the drafts undermine scientific rigor and prepare students inadequately for higher studies or employment.
- Factual and Academic Shortcomings: Mathematics draft excludes advanced algebra and mechanics, prioritizing Vedic sutras and “Mathematics in Meditation”; Chemistry and Economics lack contemporary applications like data analytics, risking misalignment with MSc/PhD programs.
- Ideological Overreach: Political Science recommends V.D. Savarkar’s works on the freedom struggle and ‘Ram Rajya’ for governance; Commerce suggests Gita/Ramayana for management principles, criticized as promoting Hindutva narratives over secular history.
- Autonomy and Federalism Issues: States decry UGC’s “dictatorial” guidelines as unprecedented overreach; Kerala’s September 25 report calls it a violation of universities’ legal mandates, while Karnataka’s minister labels it an assault on federal structure.
- Broader Concerns: Petitioners warn of “damaged prospects for generations”; SFI-led protests in September 2025 burned draft copies, highlighting risks to multidisciplinary goals.
Table: Timeline of Key Events and Responses
| Date | Event/Response | Key Players/Stakeholders |
|---|---|---|
| August 8, 2025 | UGC releases LOCF drafts for 9 subjects; public feedback invited until Sept 20 | UGC, Ministry of Education |
| August 28, 2025 | Kerala forms Patnaik-Thapar panel; Karnataka sets up KHEC committee | Kerala Govt, Karnataka Higher Edu Minister |
| September 18, 2025 | 900+ experts petition for Mathematics draft withdrawal | Mathematicians, Researchers |
| September 25, 2025 | Kerala’s panel report flags ideological bias and autonomy violations | Prabhat Patnaik, Romila Thapar |
| October 13, 2025 | Centre announces national expert panel for comprehensive review | Ministry of Education, UGC Experts |
These critiques, amplified by over 1,000 public submissions, prompted the Centre’s action.
The Expert Panel: Composition, Mandate, and Process
The newly formed panel, comprising domain experts from mathematics, history, economics, and other fields, aims to deliver a balanced revision by early 2026, ensuring alignment with NEP 2020 without compromising standards.
- Composition: Chaired by senior academics (details pending); includes representatives from original drafting committees and diverse stakeholders for inclusivity.
- Mandate: Evaluate drafts for accuracy, relevance, and NEP compliance; address omissions, biases, and feedback; balance IKS with global scientific norms; propose edits to enhance employability and autonomy.
- Process: Consult drafters for rationale; analyze state reports (e.g., Kerala’s) and petitions; hold stakeholder meetings; target revised guidelines for 2025-26 academic integration.
- Government Assurance: A Ministry official emphasized on October 13, 2025: “The panel will refine the framework to reflect rigorous, inclusive education, respecting federal principles.”
This mirrors state initiatives but operates nationally, potentially harmonizing curricula across 1,000+ universities.
Implications: Forging a Path for NEP 2020’s Multidisciplinary Vision
The panel’s work could mitigate risks while advancing NEP’s targets, like 50% gross enrollment by 2035 and 70% graduate employability.
- For Students and Faculty: Revised drafts may strengthen skills like critical thinking and AI ethics; delays could affect 2025-26 planning but prevent flawed implementation.
- Federal and Institutional Autonomy: Validates state concerns, fostering collaboration; unresolved issues might exacerbate Centre-state divides in education’s concurrent domain.
- Long-Term Reforms: Enhances India’s QS World University Ranking (40th in 2025) by prioritizing evidence-based content; integrates with UGC’s CUET 2025 updates for uniform assessments.
- Challenges: Neutralizing ideological perceptions; filling 10 lakh faculty vacancies; ensuring IKS enriches without overshadowing modern pedagogy.
As Romila Thapar noted in Kerala’s review, reforms must uphold “intellectual history and scientific validity.”
