The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified new regulations to streamline the recognition and grant of equivalence degrees to academic qualifications obtained from foreign educational institutions. This move aims to address the growing number of Indian students returning from abroad with international credentials, often facing delays and uncertainty in getting their degrees recognized for admission to Indian institutions or employment.
Key Features of the New Regulations
- Transparent and Technology-Driven Mechanism: A transparent, technology-driven mechanism will assess foreign qualifications from schools and higher education institutions.
- Exemptions for Professional Degrees: The provisions for granting equivalence certificates to foreign qualifications will not apply to professional degrees awarded in disciplines such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Architecture, and other fields that fall under the jurisdiction of statutory regulatory councils in India.
- Standing Committee on Equivalence: A Standing Committee on Equivalence will vet institutions and qualifications for their validity and parity with Indian standards.
- Online Portal: An online portal will be established where applicants can submit requests for equivalence and track their status.
Equivalence Process
The equivalence process will be governed by a set of parameters, including:
- Legitimacy of the Foreign Institution: The foreign institution must be recognized under the relevant laws in force in the home country.
- Duration and Level of the Qualification: The duration and level of the qualification must be comparable to Indian programs.
- Curriculum and Evaluation Processes: The curriculum and evaluation processes will be assessed to establish equivalence in learning outcomes.
Conditions for Recognition of Foreign Degrees
The UGC has listed the conditions for recognition of foreign degrees, including:
- Recognition of the Foreign Institution: The foreign institution must be recognized under the relevant laws in force in the home country.
- Pursuit of the Program: The applicant must have pursued the program of study to the qualification.
- Entry-Level Requirements: The entry-level requirements for admission to the program must be similar to those of a corresponding program in India.
Applicants must submit their request through a dedicated portal along with the prescribed fee and authenticated English translations of documents. Each application will be evaluated by a Standing Committee of education experts, which must issue its recommendation within ten working days. The Commission will then communicate its final decision within fifteen working days.
The new regulations aim to promote academic collaboration and exchange, enriching India’s educational landscape. By providing a transparent and efficient process for recognizing foreign degrees, the UGC hopes to attract international students and establish India as a global hub for education.
A parliamentary panel has urged the Indian government to make efforts to attract top global universities, including Ivy League institutions, to set up campuses in India. Currently, no US university has an offshore campus in India, despite the government’s efforts to increase collaborations and joint degrees.
Current Status of Foreign Universities in India
Some foreign institutions have shown interest in setting up shop in the country, including:
- UK’s Southampton University: Establishing its campus in India
- Deakin and Wollongong Universities: Already have campuses in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City)
- Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University: Received approval to set up campuses in GIFT City
The UGC introduced regulations in 2023 to facilitate the setup and operation of foreign higher educational institutions in India. The government has also launched initiatives like “Study in India” to attract foreign students and promote Indian higher education globally.
To promote academic and research collaborations, the government has introduced a scheme to support joint research proposals between Indian and foreign higher education institutions. This initiative has garnered interest from 28 nations, including the US, UK, Germany, Australia, and France, with 787 joint proposals already approved.
India’s efforts to attract top global universities are a step in the right direction. By providing a conducive environment and addressing challenges, India can become a hub for higher learning and provide its students with access to the best global resources. The government’s initiatives and the parliamentary panel’s recommendations are a positive indication of India’s commitment to enhancing its higher education ecosystem.
