UGC Mandates Indian Knowledge Systems in Higher Education Curricula

As per the guidelines issued by UGC in March 2023, UG and PG students are encouraged to undertake IKS credit courses constituting at least 5% of their total required credits.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notice emphasizing the incorporation of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into higher education curricula, reinforcing the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The move aims to systematically embed India's vast intellectual heritage into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) education.

Mandatory IKS Credit Courses

As per the guidelines issued by UGC in March 2023, UG and PG students are encouraged to undertake IKS credit courses constituting at least 5% of their total required credits. Furthermore, a minimum of 50% of these credits must align with the student's major discipline and count toward core academic requirements. The complete guidelines can be accessed here.

Strategic Integration with NEP 2020

To advance the systematic integration of IKS, the IKS Division of the Ministry of Education is collaborating with the UGC to implement NEP 2020 at a national level. As part of this initiative, specialized IKS Research Centers and IKS Teacher Training Centers have been established to facilitate research, curriculum development, and faculty training.

These centers, selected through expert evaluation, are responsible for developing IKS-based curricula and academic resources, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. Collaboration with these institutions is expected to ensure structured and effective implementation of IKS within UG and PG programs.

Call for Engagement from Higher Education Institutions

The UGC has urged Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to actively engage with these designated IKS centers to strengthen research, curriculum innovation, and pedagogy in Indian Knowledge Systems. HEIs' cooperation is deemed crucial in preserving and promoting India’s knowledge heritage while aligning with NEP 2020’s goal of fostering holistic and multidisciplinary education.

As per the UGC Notice, A list of designated IKS Research Centers is available here. The UGC remains committed to mainstreaming IKS in higher education to enrich academic disciplines, encourage interdisciplinary learning, and connect modern education with India's intellectual traditions.

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