5 Important Roles and Functions of UGC and NUEPA in Teacher Education

Back to: Teacher Education: Pre-Service & In-Service

University Grants Commission (UGC)

University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body of the Government of India which was inaugurated in 1953. It is reformed from the year 1948 which was originally set up in 1948 by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. There are 6 original regional centers of UGC.

W.H. Kilpatrick states,

“Teacher education encompasses teaching skills, sound pedagogical theory, and professional skills.”

Teacher education can be regarded as a continuous process and it is broad and comprehensive. The teachers are required to acquire adequate knowledge, skills, interest, and the right attitude towards the teaching profession. Their work has been more complex regarding new theories of psychology, philosophy, sociology, modern media, and materials. Therefore teacher education is a program that enables the teachers to be well equipped for their profession.

Aims of UGC

• To provide funds to the universities
• To maintain the ethical level of the academic institutions

Roles and Functions of UGC in Teacher Education

1. To coordinate the education level at universities
2. To frame rules and regulations
3. To provide grants to the universities
4. To allocate the funds to different universities
5. To build and maintain connections among union, state, and higher educational bodies through its advice and suggestions.
6. To ensure positive changes in education level
7. To standardize the education test such as UGC NET, ICAR NET, CSIR UGC NET.
8. To maintain the standards of university education levels.

UGC focuses on determining and regulating standards of teaching, fostering and coordinating university education, and regulating examination and research in universities. It also involves supervising developments in the areas of collegiate and university education and designing regulations on minimum standards of education.

1. To promote and coordinate university education.
2. To allow grants to universities and colleges.
3. To suggest mandatory procedures to make positive changes in University education to Central and State governments.
4. To set standards for various examinations such as UGC NET, ICAR NET, and the like.
5. To frame rules on minimum standards of education.

Roles and Functions of NUEPA in Teacher Education

The National University Of Education Planning And Administration (NUEPA) is engaged in research, teaching, and advisory services activities in the areas of planning, administration, and educational policy. Its main functions are as follows:

1. To provide technical support to State and Central Governments in educational planning and policy.
2. To conduct research in all aspects of higher and school education.
3. To organize professional development programs in educational administration and planning for education professionals across the country.
4. To develop expertise amongst young scholars through programs like M. Phil and Ph.D.
5. To extend advisory services to national and international organizations.

“Teacher is the most important element in any educational program,” the establishment of quality education is determined by the determination of a teacher.