UGC Appoints 771 NEP SAARTHIs to Lead Higher Education Reforms in India

 

UGC Appoints 771 NEP SAARTHIs to Lead Higher Education Reforms in India

Student Ambassadors Selected from 127 Higher Educational Institutions to Promote National Education Policy 2020

New Delhi | April 25, 2025 — In a significant stride towards the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has appointed 771 NEP SAARTHIs (Student Ambassadors for Academic Reforms in Transforming Higher Education in India) across 127 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) throughout the country.

This initiative aims to empower students to actively engage with academic reforms and act as change agents in their institutions and communities.

What is NEP SAARTHI?

NEP SAARTHI is a flagship student engagement initiative launched by the UGC to:

• Promote awareness and participation in NEP 2020 reforms
• Enhance student leadership and communication across campuses
• Build a network of student ambassadors who act as liaisons between students and academic leadership
• Strengthen the implementation of NEP by bringing student voices into the fold of policy execution

SAARTHI stands for:
Student Ambassador for Academic Reforms in Transforming Higher Education in India

Selection Criteria and Responsibilities

UGC had invited nominations from universities and colleges across India. The ideal candidate demonstrated:

• Outstanding personality and leadership qualities
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Creative thinking and a team-oriented approach
• A sincere commitment to education reform

Students nominated were vetted by their institutions and approved by the competent authority at UGC.

As per Clause 3, 4 & 5 of NEP SAARTHI Guidelines, selected students submitted an undertaking via their institutions. The final list includes 771 students from 127 HEIs.

Key Roles of NEP SAARTHIs:

• Conduct campus-level outreach and awareness programs
• Organize workshops, seminars, and discussions on NEP initiatives
• Collect student feedback and share insights with the administration
• Act as communication bridges between students and education policymakers

UGC’s Message to the SAARTHIs

Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of UGC, emphasized that NEP SAARTHIs will play a pivotal role in reshaping India’s higher education landscape. He encouraged all selected ambassadors to actively participate with "great enthusiasm and dedication."

The UGC believes that the initiative is not only enriching on a personal level for the students but also a national service opportunity to influence the future of higher education in India.

Important Links

• UGC Official Letter: Read her

• Full List of 771 NEP SAARTHIs: Download PDF

• Roles and Guidelines Document: Click here

Contact Details for NEP SAARTHI Programme

Students or institutions seeking further clarification can contact:

• Email: saarthi-nep@ugc.gov.in | nepbureau@ugc.gov.in
• Phone: 011-23236828 / 23239337 | UGC Headquarters, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi – 110002

Conclusion

The NEP SAARTHI initiative is a landmark step by UGC to institutionalize student participation in academic reforms and leadership. These 771 ambassadors will become faces of NEP 2020 on campuses, inspiring innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence.

Stay tuned for updates on SAARTHI-led events and student-driven NEP activities across Indian universities.

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