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18 July 2026

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025

The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill is a significant piece of proposed legislation that directly engages core UPSC themes regarding federalism, the division of powers under Entry 66 of the Union List, and the regulatory architecture of higher education.

2 min read Day 6 of 6 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025, aims to establish a new regulatory architecture for higher education in India.
  • Concerns regarding the Bill include the potential centralisation of powers and the infringement upon the autonomy of State universities.
  • Clause 11(4) originally allowed the Regulatory Council to bypass State universities in determining the degree-awarding status of affiliated colleges.
  • The Union Education Ministry proposed an amendment requiring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from State governments for institutions substantially funded by them before the Regulatory Council can authorise degree-granting powers.
  • Clause 12 was amended to allow State universities to establish constituent colleges and off-campus centres according to their respective State laws, preventing administrative duplication.
  • Clause 47, which grants the Centre power to supersede the regulatory commission and councils, is under review to ensure it is used only in exceptional circumstances as a last resort.
  • The Parliamentary Committee recommended limiting the scope of the regulatory framework to the 'coordination and determination of standards' to align with Entry 66 of the Union List.
  • Opposition to the Bill highlighted the risk of overstepping federal jurisdiction and creating administrative inefficiencies in the higher education sector.

Part of a longer story

This is day 6 of 6 in Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill Legislative Process, which has been running since 10 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. The proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025, has sparked a debate on the balance between central standardisation and the autonomy of State universities. Discuss the constitutional implications of this Bill in the context of Entry 66 of the Union List. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Cooperative federalism is essential for the effective implementation of national education reforms. In light of the recent deliberations on the VBSA Bill, 2025, evaluate the challenges in harmonising central regulatory oversight with the constitutional powers of States in the field of higher education. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the primary concern raised by States regarding the original draft of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025?

  2. Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, which entry is primarily cited regarding the Union government's power to coordinate and determine standards in higher education?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-18/viksit-bharat-shiksha-adhishthan-bill-vbsa-2025