UGC urges universities to join ECI IIIDEM's initiatives on democracy, election management studies

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged universities and colleges across the country to actively participate in a set of new academic initiatives on democracy and election management introduced by the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).

In a recent communication, the UGC asked higher education institutions to circulate details of these programmes and encourage participation among students, faculty, and researchers. The initiatives, launched through the IIIDEM, are aimed at strengthening academic engagement and building a deeper understanding of electoral processes.

The move is part of a broader push to connect classroom learning with real-world democratic practices. Institutions have also been advised to take appropriate steps so that students and scholars can fully benefit from these opportunities.

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Focus on research, conferences and student-led learning

According to the official press release, one of the key initiatives is an international academic conference on democracy and election management, scheduled to be held on 18-19 June, 2026 in New Delhi. The conference will bring together scholars and faculty members to discuss emerging challenges and developments in democratic governance.

Another initiative, titled ‘student connect-research challenge’, is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students. It invites them to explore topics such as electoral systems, legal frameworks, and institutional arrangements, encouraging a research-oriented approach to understanding elections.

Together, these programmes are expected to promote critical thinking, academic collaboration, and greater awareness of global democratic practices among students.

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Outreach programme to provide hands-on exposure

The third initiative is the IIIDEM academic outreach programme, which focuses on experiential learning. It will enable students and faculty to visit the institute and interact with election professionals, offering insights into the practical aspects of election management.

The UGC has stressed the need for institutions to widely share information about these initiatives to ensure maximum participation. It believes such programmes will not only enrich academic learning but also help nurture informed and engaged citizens.

With these efforts, the ECI and UGC aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, while encouraging greater student involvement in the study of democracy and governance.