The University Grants Commission of India is a statutory organisation set up by Union government in 1956, for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of university education. It provides recognition for universities in India, and provides funds for government-recognised universities and colleges. Its headquarters are in New Delhi, and six regional centres in Pune, Bhopal, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Bangalore.

In 2009, the Union Minister of Education made open the government of India's plans to close down UGC and the related body AICTE - due to corruption and inefficiency charges against the bodies - in favour of a higher regulatory body with more sweeping powers.