Sadler Commission

The Sadler Commission, appointed in 1917, was tasked with inquiring into the conditions and prospects of the University of Calcutta in India. While its initial focus was on this specific university, its scope was nationwide. The commission's recommendations significantly influenced higher education policy in India. Key proposals included establishing a board to oversee secondary and intermediate education, creating intermediate colleges with two-year courses, and implementing three-year degree programs after the intermediate stage. It also advocated for teaching and unitary universities, organized postgraduate studies, and a greater emphasis on science, tutorial systems, and research. The commission's findings were summarized by the government of India in 1920, and its recommendations have been incorporated into subsequent higher education legislation across India.1