India’s constitutional commitment to social justice mandates affirmative action to redress centuries of exclusion. In higher education, reservation
policies ensure representation for SCs (15%), STs (7.5%), OBCs (27%), and EWS (10%). However, premier institutions consistently fail to meet
these quotas, reflecting deep systemic and institutional barriers.
📉 The Scale of the Shortfall
As of 2021, across 45 central universities:
- SC vacancies: 2,389
- ST vacancies: 1,199
- OBC vacancies: 4,251
Despite targeted efforts by some institutions (e.g., JNU, Delhi University), over 30% of reserved posts remain vacant (UGC, 2023),
particularly at higher levels.
In contrast, other sectors like Railways and Banking show better compliance in lower-tier jobs.
🚧 Key Structural Challenges
1. Autonomy Without Accountability
- Central universities enjoy high autonomy, but this often dilutes the implementation of reservation norms.
- UGC guidelines are weakly enforced, and dominant social groups in hiring panels often lack commitment to diversity.
2. 13-Point Roster System
- Replacing the earlier 200-point system, the 13-point roster calculates quotas at the departmental level.
- Small departments frequently escape reservation obligations, undermining the spirit of inclusiveness.
3. Subjective and Non-transparent Hiring
- Reserved category candidates are often rejected as “not found suitable” despite being qualified.
- A 2022 Ambedkar University study found 60% of reserved posts unfilled due to ambiguous evaluations, discouraging aspirants and
perpetuating exclusion.
🛠️ Way Forward
✅ Strengthen Monitoring and Compliance
- Implement regular audits and publish compliance data.
- Impose penalties on institutions that fail to meet reservation targets.
🔁 Reform the Roster Policy
- Reconsider the 13-point system to ensure broader representation.
- Legislative or regulatory intervention may be required, irrespective of pending judicial outcomes.
🧑🏽🏫 Improve Transparency in Recruitment
- Diversify selection committees.
- Standardise evaluation metrics.
- Train administrators on equity and constitutional mandates.
- Political Will and Governance
- Social justice must be actionable, not rhetorical.
- The state must back its inclusive slogans with reform and resolve.
📌 Conclusion
The chronic underrepresentation of marginalised groups in higher education is not merely a procedural failure—it reflects a deeper ethical and
democratic deficit.
Universities must reflect India’s social fabric and foster equity in knowledge production. Without urgent reform, the promise of an inclusive,
knowledge-based society remains unfulfilled.