University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared ragging a criminal offence and has laid down strict laws and punishments to eliminate it completely from campuses. It is a collective responsibility of institutions, students, parents, and society at large to say a firm “No” to ragging and ensure that our campuses remain places of learning, safety, and mutual respect. Ragging is a criminal practice which continues to plague many educational institutions in India for a long long time. Despite being masked as a tradition or a way for seniors to ‘welcome’ their juniors, it is nothing less than a harassment that causes physical, mental, as well as emotional harm to a person.
The UGC has launched a nationwide anti-ragging campaign and issued clear guidelines and punitive actions that can be taken against students found guilty of ragging. According to UGC, institutions must ensure strict compliance with anti-ragging measures and must report their compliance on the official portal www.antiragging.in. In addition, a 24×7 National Anti-Ragging Helpline is available to assist students in distress. Victims or even witnesses of ragging can reach out for support through the toll-free number 1800-180-5522 or by emailing at helpline@antiragging.in.
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The advisory issued by UGC highlights three primary punitive actions against ragging: expulsion, examination restrictions, and imprisonment. First, any student found guilty of ragging can be expelled from the institution. This expulsion may include a permanent ban from taking admission in any other educational institution. Additionally, a monetary penalty of up to Rs 25,000 may be imposed on the guilty person. This measure will ensure that serious consequences are faced by anyone who disrupts the academic atmosphere or causes harm to juniors/ fellow students.
Second, the UGC mandates that students involved in ragging may be barred from appearing in internal or university examinations. Their exam results may be withheld as a punishment which will significantly affect their academic journey. This restriction will directly hit the academic interests of the student and acts as a strong deterrent. Missing out on critical examinations or having results withheld can delay graduation and affect career opportunities of the students who are involved in such activities.
The third most severe, punishment is imprisonment. As per the UGC’s guidelines, a student convicted of ragging may face imprisonment of up to two years. Alternatively, the offender may be penalized with a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or face both imprisonment and a fine, depending on the severity of the offence. Criminal charges and jail time can leave a permanent scar on a student’s record, ruining their career and personal life. This legal provision makes it clear that ragging is not a minor offence or a student prank, it is a crime punishable under Indian law.
To further strengthen this initiative, UGC has requested all higher educational institutions to actively participate in making their campuses ragging-free. Institutions are required to establish anti-ragging committees and squads, organize orientation programs for awareness, prominently display anti-ragging posters in hostels and public areas, and incorporate anti-ragging messages in admission forms and prospectuses. Institutions that fail to take preventive action or respond to complaints in a timely manner may themselves be subject to penalties, including withdrawal of recognition, suspension of grants, or even disaffiliation from the UGC.
The message to all institutions is loud and clear: ragging is a crime and must not be tolerated. All students have the right to pursue education in a safe and supportive environment. The days of treating ragging as a harmless tradition are over. It is now a punishable act, and those who engage in it will face serious consequences. Creating a culture of empathy, understanding, and cooperation among students is essential for building an inclusive learning space.
In addition to English advisories, the UGC has also circulated messages in Hindi to reach a wider student population across the country. One such message reads, “रैगिंग एक आपराधिक अपराध है – रैगिंग को ना कहें!” which means “Ragging is a punishable crime – Say no to ragging completely!” Another important message from UGC urges all higher education institutions to strictly follow anti-ragging policies and report their compliance on www.antiragging.in. Institutions are reminded that ignoring these measures can have serious administrative consequences.
Ragging-free campuses are not just a policy goal, they are a moral imperative. Every stakeholder must pledge to protect students from humiliation and harm. Students should understand that speaking up against ragging is not disloyalty, it is a brave and responsible step toward ensuring a safer campus for everyone. Even bystanders should come forward to report any such incidents without fear, because staying silent only empowers the perpetrators.
In conclusion, ragging is a deeply harmful practice that must be eradicated through strict laws, vigilant institutions, and a culture of zero tolerance. The UGC has made it clear that ragging will not be tolerated, and anyone found guilty will be punished as per the law. Educational institutions are temples of learning, not battlegrounds for bullying and humiliation. Let us unite in making every college and university in India a safe, welcoming, and empowering space. Say no to ragging. Choose respect over fear. And if you see or experience ragging, don’t hesitate, call 1800-180-5522 or write to helpline@antiragging.in. Together, we can ensure that the future of education in India is bright, safe, and free from the horrors of ragging.
What is ragging and its effects?
Ragging is any act of abuse, humiliation, or harassment directed by one or more students towards a fellow student, often under the pretext of introducing them to campus life. It can take many forms- verbal teasing, forced activities, psychological pressure, physical assault, or even online bullying. While it is often disguised as a way for seniors to ‘bond’ with juniors, in reality, ragging is a serious violation of a student’s dignity and basic human rights.
The impact of ragging on a person can be deeply damaging. Victims often experience intense emotional trauma, anxiety, fear, and a loss of confidence. It can lead to withdrawal from social life, poor academic performance, and in severe cases, depression, suicidal thoughts, or even self-harm. The psychological scars of ragging can last long after the incident, affecting a person’s personal and professional life. It also creates a toxic environment on campus where fear overshadows learning. No student deserves to go through such trauma, which is why ragging must be stopped completely, and campuses must promote respect, safety, and equality for all.
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