Compliance with UGC Mandatory Disclosure Norms: An Assessment of Private University Websites in India
Authors
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Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore, Mysuru - 570006, Karnataka
N. Ashwini
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5373-5463
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Department of Studies in Library and Information Science, University of Mysore, Mysuru - 570006, KarnatakaMallinath Kumbar https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7235-4372
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17821/srels/2026/v63i2/172012Keywords:
Content Analysis, Mandatory Disclosure, Private Universities, UGC, WebsitesAbstract
This research employs a structured content analysis approach to study the compliance of 200 private universities of India with the website disclosure norms set by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This study utilizes 72 disclosure indicators categorized into four dimensions of compliance: Governance and Regulatory, Academic and Admission Transparency, Research and Institutional Development and Student Support and Engagement. Results show the highest compliance by Academic and Admission Transparency (74%) and Governance and Regulatory disclosure (34%). Moderate levels of compliance are seen for research-related transparency (43%) and Student Support disclosures (55%). A considerable regional variation was observed in six geographical zones, particularly in governance and research-related disclosures. A weighted composite compliance index shows that the South and Western zones have greater overall openness than other regions. The study emphasises the necessity of more regulatory oversight and uniformity in disclosure norms to achieve equitable and complete institutional transparency in private universities of India.
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