The Council consists of eighteen persons, the majority of whom are representatives of various social constituencies including public and private universities, religious organizations, commerce, industry, agriculture, the general public, the Ministry of Education and people with disabilities. The Council members are appointed under Section 7 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 as follows:

•      Chairperson appointed by the President.
•       Vice Chairperson elected by the Council members
•       Two representative of Vice-Chancellors of Public and Private Universities
•       An Officer in charge of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Sports
•      Two Students representatives
•     Two senate representative from Public and Private Universities
•     Four representatives of religious non degree awarding institutions appointed by the Minister of Education
•       Three members from Commerce, Industry and agriculture
•        Four members of other sectors of Higher Education
•       One person representing the public elected by the Council
•    Executive Director