UGC Launches Mentoring Initiative to Strengthen School Education

UGC Mentoring Initiative to Strengthen School Education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a major initiative to connect higher education expertise with school-level teaching, aiming to elevate teacher capability across the country. Under the directive, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will nominate experienced faculty members to serve as mentors for school teachers. This move aligns with the National Mission for Mentoring envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 , which emphasises continuous professional growth for educators through collaborative support.

Framework Anchored in the National Mentoring Mission

The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has released the “Bluebook on Mentoring” , which serves as the foundational guide for the mission. The framework shifts away from conventional, compliance-based training toward a supportive mentoring model grounded in trust and long-term professional relationships. It outlines mentor responsibilities, operational processes and digital systems required to sustain a nationwide mentoring ecosystem.

How Mentoring Differs from Conventional Training

The Bluebook highlights that unlike training sessions focused on short-term skill-building or coaching aimed at performance improvement, mentoring promotes holistic teacher development. It creates a non-judgmental space where educators can reflect on their challenges, enhance classroom practices and build confidence through experienced guidance.

Key Verticals and Digital Ecosystem

The initiative identifies key focus areas such as instructional leadership, digital pedagogy, inclusive education, ethics and socio-emotional learning. A dedicated National Mentoring Infrastructure enables teachers to select mentors, participate in live or recorded sessions, track goals and access curated learning resources.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Bluebook on Mentoring is the official NCTE framework for the mission.

• Pilot phase included 30 Central Schools and 60 national mentors .

• NEP 2020 identifies mentoring as essential for teacher quality.

• National Mentoring Infrastructure is the central digital platform.

This article is related to: teacher development, NEP 2020 reforms, UGC initiatives, NCTE frameworks and education-sector current affairs.