Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP)
Updated: 22 Oct 2025
Ministry:
Ministry of Education
Beneficiary:
Miscellaneous
Overview
EQUIP is a five-year vision plan (2019–2024) aimed at transforming India’s higher education system. It implements strategic interventions to enhance quality, governance, and equity in higher education.
- EQUIP is a vision plan aiming at ushering transformation in India's higher education system by implementing strategic interventions in the sector over five years (2019-2024).
Strategies for Expanding Access
- Enhance access to vulnerable communities (SC/ST): Setting up of Samras Hostels in underserved areas; Fee reimbursements for SC/ST students; Finishing School/Bridge Course to impart employable skills
- Expand access to cater to geographically underserved areas: Enhance learnability and employability through vocationalisation; Broadening opportunities for access to higher education through MOOCs
- Improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) through Open and Distance Learning (ODL): Double the number of Learner Support Centres; Upgrade ICT infrastructure of IGNOU; Offer Courses through multiple languages
- Enhance overall access to higher education: Offer incentives to students for pursuing higher education; Offer courses in a dual mode (distance and regular) in universities.