New Delhi, Aug 17 – The University Grants Commission (UGC), India’s higher education regulator, has released draft guidelines for the recognition of degrees acquired from international universities. This move restricts the acceptance of degrees procured via online, distance modes, or any franchise agreement.
Moreover, the UGC has also formulated rules to recognize qualifications obtained from schools affiliated to foreign educational boards and from offshore campuses of international higher educational institutions.
These developments coincide with the ongoing efforts of foreign universities setting up branches in India’s GIFT city. Simultaneously, Indian universities are fostering collaborations with overseas institutions to proffer dual or joint degree programs.
Outlined in the draft titled “Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2023”, the UGC delves into:
- The significance of international curricula.
- Collaborations in academics and research with global universities.
- Recognizing credits under twinning agreements.
The UGC stated that for a foreign qualification to be accepted, the awarding institution should be recognized in its home country. Furthermore, the course should be undertaken through regular face-to-face instruction, not via distance or online modes. The criteria for enrolling in the program should resemble that of an analogous course in India.
A dedicated Standing Committee will assess the “similarity” of admission prerequisites, factoring in course duration in both India and the foreign nation, minimum credit requirements, and assessment methods.
Considering the course’s duration is a pivotal aspect, if discrepancies arise, the UGC will assess the minimum credit requirements to be consistent in both institutions. Additionally, the UGC’s guidelines will permit up to a 10% variation in the total normalized credit requirements.
Aiming for effortless student mobility, the UGC will launch an online portal specifically for applications to grant equivalence to qualifications from international educational entities. This will ensure a foreign qualification’s compatibility with an Indian qualification of the same standard.
At present, the All India Universities (AIU) grants an “equivalence certificate” to students with foreign degrees for admission to Indian Universities. Post the implementation of these guidelines, the UGC will also undertake the task of certifying foreign degrees.
For qualifications from offshore campuses under dual or joint degree schemes to be recognized, they must adhere to the accreditation requirements of both the host country and the country of origin. The foreign institution’s offshore campus must have approvals from competent authorities in both countries.