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Abstract The paper critically examines the constitutional safeguards provided to Scheduled caste (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the sphere of Indian Higher Education with special reference to recent policy developments by the University Grants Commission. The study adopts an analytical approach to explore key constitutional provisions, including reservation policies, protective discrimination and institutional safeguards. It also investigates persistent challenges such as caste-based discrimination, social exclusion, academic marginalization within higher education institutions. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for an inclusive responsive and enforcement- oriented approach to ensure substantive equality in Indian Higher Education.
Keywords: Scheduled Caste, Schedule Tribes, Higher Education, Constitutional Safeguards, UGC Regulation 2026, Justice, Reservation, Discrimination