Anger is boiling over on college campuses across India as students take to the streets in large-scale demonstrations against the University Grants Commission's controversial new equity rules for 2026. What started as small gatherings has snowballed into a nationwide movement, with protesters demanding an immediate rollback of the regulations they see as divisive and impractical.

Announced earlier this month, the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 aim to tackle discrimination head-on. Key features include mandatory Equal Opportunity Centres in every college, Equity Committees chaired by the institution head, and representation from OBC, SC, and ST communities. There's also a 24/7 helpline for complaints related to caste, gender, disability, and other issues.

But students aren't buying it. They claim the rules are poorly worded, ripe for misuse through false accusations, and ignore economic hardships faced by general category students. "This isn't about fairness—it's a recipe for campus chaos," one protester shouted during a rally, echoing fears that it could fracture friendships built on shared hostels and study groups.

The unrest kicked off in Uttar Pradesh, where thousands rallied in Lucknow's Hazratganj area. Chhatra Panchayat activists burned copies of the regulations at the Gandhi statue, chanting "Withdraw UGC Regulations!" Clashes with police were reported in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, and even at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), as crowds tried to breach barricades.

In the capital, Delhi University students – around 50 strong – assembled at North Campus near the Arts Faculty. They submitted a memorandum to the proctor's office, vowing an indefinite strike if their demands aren't met. A PhD researcher there put it bluntly: "These rules will destroy the merit we've fought for." Dramatic gestures marked the protests too – from head-shaving in Prayagraj to lawyers issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities. Calls are growing for demonstrations outside UGC headquarters in Delhi.

The backlash has political undertones, with opposition voices amplifying student grievances and even a BJP functionary resigning in protest. Critics point out the regulations replace a softer 2012 version without enough consultation, sparking a potential Supreme Court petition over their narrow focus on certain discriminations.

As of today, UGC hasn't commented publicly, but with protests showing no signs of slowing, pressure is mounting on the education ministry. For India's youth – especially in hubs like Gurugram – this could reshape campus life for years. Stay tuned as this story develops; more rallies are expected this weekend.