UGC Row 2026: Debate Sparks on Social Media Against UGC New Rules; Is Bharat Band Declared on Feb 1?

The protest against UGC new caste-based rules has sparked a debate. The social media backlash has intensified amid the Supreme Court stay on the equity rules. Read further to know what's Next in UGC row 2026 amid the alleged Bharat Band on February 1, 2026. 

University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced caste-based rules and regulations for all Higher education in India. Right after the announcement, the UGC caste-based guidelines faced intense backlash over the alleged Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. While the rules were designed to remove caste-based discrimination, they instead triggered nationwide protests by general category students. As per the current scenario on the UGC row 2026, the Supreme Court has stayed the UGC rules and demanded that the Government and UGC present their perspective by March 19. 

UGC Row 2026: What is Protest Against UGC About?

The main reason for the dispute is in the definition of "caste-based discrimination" under Section 3(c) of the new rules. General category and upper-caste groups argue that the regulation is 'biased' because it only considers discrimination against SC, ST, and OBC students. They also claim that the rules include a clause that may increase the chances of false or malicious complaints. 

#UGCRollback: Social Media Sparked Over Caste-Based Rules

Several social media users have expressed their unhappiness with the UGC new regulations on caste based system. The same has been mentioned below: 

An 'X' user, Dev, has asked goverment about their step for what if harassment happens with a general category female student? 

Another social media user has mentioned that the definition of discrimination has set aside the general category of students. 

The user further asked for the need for justice, merit and not discrimination.  

UGC Row 2026: What's Next? 

The Supreme Court has put on hold the new UGC guidelines on caste-based discrimination. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi found the guidelines seem 'Vague' and prone to be misused. The court also highlighted that "Whatever we have gained in terms of achieving a casteless society, are we now becoming regressive?" 

As per media reports, students and social groups across India have been protesting against the UGC new 2026 rules. The anger has spread so fast that some government officials are joining the movement. The stakeholders want these rules cancelled immediately. Hence, they have called for a nationwide Bharat Bandh on February 1.

Read more:

• UGC Equity Regulation Row: SC Halts New UGC Equity Rules Amid Nationwide Protests; Check Details