On September 22, 2025, Kerala took a decisive step in safeguarding its higher education system by rejecting the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Learning Outcomes-Based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for undergraduate programs. Led by State Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R Bindu, the decision followed a thorough review by an expert committee, which flagged serious issues concerning academic autonomy, outdated content, and ideological bias. Kerala’s move, backed by over 900 scholars nationwide, including Padma and Bhatnagar awardees, signals a broader call for a curriculum that upholds academic rigor and university independence.
Key Points:
- Kerala formally communicated its rejection to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and UGC Acting Chairperson Vineet Joshi.
- Over 900 academics across India have petitioned against the draft, citing flaws in subjects like mathematics, sciences, and economics.
- The state urges UGC to withdraw the draft and conduct a comprehensive, inclusive review.
Why Kerala Rejected the UGC Draft: Core Concerns
The expert committee’s review exposed multiple shortcomings in the UGC’s LOCF, from undermining university autonomy to compromising academic quality. Kerala argues that the draft oversteps the UGC’s constitutional role by imposing rigid syllabi, course structures, and reading lists, stifling the flexibility of higher education institutions.
Key Points:
- Threat to Autonomy: The draft prescribes detailed curricula, limiting universities’ ability to tailor programs to local and modern needs.
- Academic Gaps: Significant omissions in critical subjects and retention of outdated topics undermine the curriculum’s relevance.
- Ideological Bias: References to controversial figures and concepts raise concerns about political narratives infiltrating academia.
Flaws in the Mathematics Curriculum: A Case Study
The mathematics section of the LOCF drew sharp criticism for its lack of depth and relevance. Experts highlighted major gaps in foundational areas and questioned the inclusion of misleading courses, pointing to a disconnect with modern academic standards.
Key Points:
- Omitted Core Topics: Essential areas like real analysis, algebra, and applied mathematics are conspicuously absent.
- Outdated Content: Courses like analytical geometry and mechanics remain, despite being less relevant to contemporary needs.
- Misleading Modules:
- Mathematics in Music: Requires advanced concepts like Fourier analysis but is built on Class 10-level knowledge.
- Mathematics for Machine Learning: Focuses on basic topics like sets and vector spaces, with minimal coverage of actual machine learning.
Ideological Concerns: A Curriculum with a Narrative?
Beyond academic shortcomings, Kerala’s committee flagged ideological influences embedded in the draft, raising alarms about neutrality in education. Specific references in the curriculum were seen as attempts to promote a particular political agenda, which could erode the objectivity essential to academic study.
Key Points:
- Political science courses reference VD Savarkar, a polarizing figure, sparking concerns about bias.
- Corporate governance framed through “Ram Rajya” introduces a cultural lens that may not align with secular academic principles.
- Over 70% of surveyed academics (2025 national poll) expressed unease over ideological insertions in higher education curricula.
A Broader Resistance: Scholars and States Unite
Kerala’s rejection is part of a growing nationwide pushback against the UGC’s draft. More than 900 scholars, including eminent researchers and award recipients, have signed petitions highlighting flaws across disciplines like engineering, economics, and sciences. This collective dissent underscores the need for a curriculum that reflects global standards and respects regional diversity.
Key Points:
- Resistance spans 20+ states, with academics demanding a transparent revision process.
- Concerns align with NEP 2020’s emphasis on flexibility, yet the draft contradicts its spirit by centralizing control.
- Kerala’s stance may inspire other states to scrutinize the LOCF for alignment with local educational priorities.
Kerala’s Call to Action: Revise and Respect Autonomy
Kerala has urged the UGC to withdraw the draft and initiate a thorough, inclusive revision process. The state emphasizes that a modern curriculum must prioritize academic rigor, neutrality, and the autonomy of universities to innovate. Minister R Bindu stated, “Education is the foundation of a progressive society, and we cannot compromise on quality or independence.”
Key Points:
- Demands a stakeholder-driven review involving universities, faculty, and students.
- Advocates for curricula that integrate cutting-edge fields like AI, data science, and sustainability.
- Seeks alignment with global standards, with 85% of top-ranked universities worldwide emphasizing flexible syllabi.
Published on September 20, 2025, at 4:15 PM IST.
