Stop Digital Ragging: UGC’s New Rules for WhatsApp Groups

Ragging in colleges is a serious issue, and now, it’s not just happening face-to-face. The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has introduced a strong initiative to combat harassment in online environments. Their latest order, issued on July 9, 2025, directs colleges to closely monitor informal WhatsApp groups where seniors may harass juniors. This digital harassment is now officially treated as ragging, with strict consequences for those involved and for institutions that fail to act.

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know what this means for you as a student.

What is Ragging, and Why Does it Matter?

Ragging includes any act that causes physical or mental harm, like bullying, teasing, or forcing someone to do something they don’t want to. It’s not just physical acts like forcing someone to cut their hair or stay awake all night. It also includes mental harassment, like sending mean messages or threatening juniors with social boycotts. The UGC says these actions, even in WhatsApp groups, are ragging and are completely unacceptable.

• Fact: The UGC receives dozens of complaints every year from first-year students about harassment by seniors.
• Why it matters: Ragging can cause stress, anxiety, and even serious harm. In 2024, the UGC recorded 1,084 ragging complaints, up from 1,070 in 2019.

UGC’s New Rule: WhatsApp Groups Under Watch

The UGC’s latest directive is clear: colleges must keep an eye on informal WhatsApp groups. Seniors often create these groups to target and harass juniors, which can feel just as bad as in-person bullying. The UGC has said that this kind of behaviour will face strict disciplinary action, just like traditional ragging. If colleges don’t enforce these rules, they could lose funding or face other penalties.

Here’s what the UGC wants colleges to do:

• Monitor digital platforms: Colleges need to check WhatsApp groups and other online spaces where harassment might happen.
• Take action: If someone is caught ragging online, they could face suspension or other punishments.
• Ensure student safety: The UGC says student safety is “paramount and non-negotiable.”

Why This Rule is a Big Deal

This new rule is a game-changer because it recognizes that bullying doesn’t just happen in person. With almost everyone using WhatsApp, it’s easy for seniors to misuse these groups to scare or humiliate new students. By treating digital harassment as ragging, the UGC is sending a strong message: no form of bullying is okay.

• Real-world impact: In many cases, juniors are pressured to follow seniors’ orders or face social boycotts, which can make college life miserable.
• Protecting freshers: This rule aims to make college a safer place, especially for first-year students who are often the targets.

What Can You Do as a Student?

As a student, you play a big role in stopping ragging. Here’s how you can help:

1. Report harassment: If you or someone you know is being bullied in a WhatsApp group, report it to your college or the National Anti-Ragging Helpline at 1800-180-5522 (24/7 toll-free) or email helpline@antiragging.in.
2. Speak up: Don’t stay silent if you see ragging happening, whether online or offline.
3. Be kind: Treat your juniors with respect and help create a friendly campus environment.
4. Know the rules: Check out the UGC’s anti-ragging guidelines on www.ugc.gov.in or www.antiragging.in to stay informed.

What Happens if Colleges Don’t Follow the Rules?

The UGC isn’t playing around. If colleges fail to monitor WhatsApp groups or take action against ragging, they could face serious consequences, like:

• Losing funding from the UGC.
• Being listed as non-compliant on the UGC website.
• Losing their affiliation or recognition.

In June 2025, the UGC warned 89 colleges, including big names like IITs and IIMs, for not stopping ragging properly. This shows they’re serious about cracking down.

A Safer Campus for Everyone

The UGC’s new rule is all about making college a safe and fun place for everyone. By keeping an eye on WhatsApp groups and treating digital harassment as ragging, colleges can stop bullying before it gets out of hand. As students, you can help by being aware, reporting issues, and spreading kindness. Together, we can make campuses ragging-free, both online and offline!

Also Read

Literature vs. Linguistics: Which Path Offers a Better Career?
Patent vs. Copyright vs. Trademark: Key Differences
Only 8% of Indian Graduates Get Jobs Matching Their Degrees
Join the Women and Child Development Ministry Internship 2025