Concerns : Qualification Standards in University Accounts Departments
Sanjeev Goyal
PMOPG/E/2025/0159138
UGC
Concerns : Qualification Standards in University Accounts Departments
The University Grants Commission (UGC) serves as the apex regulatory body for higher education institutions in our country. It is responsible for granting recognition to academic programs and approving the introduction of new courses across universities.
All academic programs—whether in the fields of arts, commerce, or science—are subject to the scrutiny and standards set by the UGC. Among these, accountancy has long been recognized as a distinct and specialized field of knowledge. Universities across the country offer specific degree programs, such as the Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), to provide formal education and training in this domain.
However, a concerning inconsistency exists in the application of qualification standards for recruitment to university accounts departments. Despite the availability of commerce graduates with specialized training in financial accounting and bookkeeping, all UGC-regulated universities do not mandate any specific academic qualification for appointment to these roles. In practice, graduates from any discipline - with no prior exposure to accounting principles are considered eligible for positions in accounts departments.
This raises a significant anomaly: candidates without fundamental knowledge in accountancy are considered qualified to manage financial records, while commerce graduates—specifically trained for such tasks—are overlooked. More surprisingly, even for senior positions such as Finance Officer in central universities, the eligibility criteria merely require a postgraduate degree in any field, without emphasizing qualifications in commerce, finance, or accountancy.
This discrepancy suggests a gap in policy attention and calls for a critical review by the UGC and relevant higher education authorities. With a large pool of qualified commerce graduates available, there is a compelling case to align recruitment standards with the nature and responsibilities of the role, ensuring that individuals managing public funds and university accounts are appropriately trained for the task.
