From Chhattisgarh To Madhya Pradesh, Universities Replace 'India' With 'Bharat' On Degrees And Mark Sheets

Published 20 June 2026 · india

From Chhattisgarh To Madhya Pradesh, Universities Replace 'India' With 'Bharat' On Degrees And Mark Sheets Published By Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 16:40 IST Universities

From Chhattisgarh To Madhya Pradesh, Universities Replace 'India' With 'Bharat' On Degrees And Mark Sheets Published By Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 16:40 IST Universities including Guru Ghasidas Central University, Rani Durgavati University and DAVV are replacing India with Bharat on degrees. A growing number of universities across India have begun replacing the word “India" with “Bharat" on degrees, marksheets and official documents, signalling a wider push to promote the country’s traditional name in academic institutions. The latest to join the trend is Guru Ghasidas Central University in Chhattisgarh, which has decided to use “Bharat" instead of “India" on marksheets and official communications. The move was announced by Vice-Chancellor Alok Kumar Chakrawal, who cited the increased use of “Bharat" in official forums, including during the G20 Summit. Several Universities Already On Board The shift is not limited to Chhattisgarh.

Several state and central universities, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, have already adopted similar measures or are in the process of doing so. Rani Durgavati University in Jabalpur has approved the use of “Bharat" on degrees and marksheets. University officials have said future academic certificates will carry “Bharat" in both Hindi and English formats. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore has also implemented the change, with university authorities claiming it was among the first institutions in Madhya Pradesh to formally replace “India" with “Bharat" in official documentation. RSS-Linked Campaign Behind The Push The move is being backed by the Bharatiya Bhasha Manch, a wing of the RSS-linked Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, which has been campaigning for wider adoption of the name “Bharat" in educational institutions and official communications. Supporters of the campaign argue that “Bharat" is the country’s original civilisational name and should be reflected in academic and administrative records.

“We are people of Bharat and the real name of the country is Bharat," university officials backing the move have argued. Part Of Larger Debate The use of “Bharat" in place of “India" has been the subject of political and cultural debate in recent years. The issue gained national attention after official invitations for the 2023 G20 Summit referred to the President as the “President of Bharat" instead of the “President of India." While supporters view the shift as a restoration of India’s cultural identity, critics argue that both names are constitutionally recognised and that the focus should remain on substantive educational reforms. With more universities considering similar resolutions, the trend could gradually reshape how academic institutions refer to the country on official certificates and records. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.