Ragging Remains a Major Issue in Indian Colleges, UP Leads in Complaints

Ragging continues to be a significant issue within higher educational institutions across India, with recent statistics indicating that Uttar Pradesh has the highest incidence of such complaints. According to data presented by the Ministry of Education during a session in the Lok Sabha, the state reported an alarming number of ragging incidents in both 2025 and 2026. In a detailed response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1302 on July 27, Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar provided insights into the state-wise and year-wise breakdown of ragging complaints received from various higher educational institutions. The figures reveal that Uttar Pradesh recorded a staggering 251 complaints in 2025, making it the state with the most significant number of reported cases. Following Uttar Pradesh, Bihar reported 122 complaints, Madhya Pradesh had 117, West Bengal noted 102, and Maharashtra documented 89 incidents. As of July 22, 2026, Uttar Pradesh has already seen 135 complaints, with West Bengal (75), Madhya Pradesh (63), Maharashtra (53), and Bihar (50) also ranking high in terms of reported ragging incidents.

In response to the ongoing issue, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken proactive measures by issuing show cause notices to 107 higher educational institutions, including 18 medical colleges, in 2025. These notices were a result of the institutions' failure to adhere to mandatory anti-ragging regulations. Many of these institutions did not secure anti-ragging undertakings from students and their parents or guardians, nor did they submit the required compliance reports despite receiving multiple advisories. The UGC's approach has been focused on corrective and preventive measures to ensure that educational institutions comply with anti-ragging protocols, thereby prioritizing student welfare and campus safety. The Ministry of Education has emphasized that the UGC is committed to addressing these issues effectively and ensuring that students can pursue their education in a safe environment.