NEP SAARTHI

1. Introduction

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a transformed higher education system centered on quality, equity, and access. To actively involve students—the core stakeholders—the University Grants Commission (UGC) launched the SAARTHI initiative, revising the 2023 guidelines in 2024 to enhance productivity and impact.

2. Objectives

• Create awareness and promote NEP 2020 initiatives among students on campus.
• Encourage and motivate students to participate in implementing NEP initiatives.
• Establish a feedback mechanism to understand student perspectives and address concerns.

3. SAARTHI Nomination Process

• UGC seeks nominations from the Head of the HEI; institutions nominate as per these guidelines.
• HEIs may conduct a written test and interviews related to NEP to ensure transparency.
• Nominees should demonstrate strong communication, organizational capability, creativity, responsibility, and team leadership.
• UGC accepts nominations based on merit, process compliance, and publishes the list on its website.
• Nominations are accepted year-round; UGC announces new SAARTHIs twice a year (Jan–Jun and Jul–Dec).

4. SAARTHI Nomination Criteria

i) Based on total enrolled students

ii) Programme levels and eligible semester/year

5. Responsibilities of HEIs

• Nominate SAARTHIs as per criteria and process, and notify a single point of contact for SAARTHIs.
• Provide logistical and financial support for campus activities on NEP 2020 and participation in UGC events.
• Involve SAARTHIs in relevant institutional activities where appropriate.

6. Roles & Responsibilities of NEP SAARTHI

• Act as campus ambassadors for NEP 2020.
• Conduct awareness drives each semester on NEP initiatives.
• Organize activities (debates, discussions, competitions, quizzes, nukkad nataks) per the SAARTHI activity calendar and as directed by UGC.
• Disseminate information via posters, social media, other media, and NEP helpdesks during events.
• Foster dialogue among students, faculty, and administrators.
• Prepare brief notes on NEP initiatives for campus display and submit them online to UGC.
• Attend relevant UGC online programmes.
• Collect feedback from students in the prescribed format.

7. Monitoring of SAARTHI Activities

Activities are monitored regularly by the designated in‑charge at the HEI and the UGC. Failure to carry out assigned activities may lead to revocation of the nomination in consultation with the HEI.

8. Recognition of SAARTHI

Upon successful completion of one year and subject to satisfactory performance, the HEI will award a certificate of participation as SAARTHI.