UGC to equate foreign degrees, limits online, distance & franchise agreements

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced two preliminary guidelines outlining the recognition and equivalence of degrees acquired from international universities. These guidelines place restrictions on degrees obtained through distance learning, online modalities, franchise agreements, and qualifications from schools affiliated with foreign boards. The UGC has made these draft guidelines available for public input and feedback.

However, a senior official within the Ministry of Education has raised concerns that these guidelines might conflict with the established gazetted notification, where the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at present, holds the authority to grant equivalence to foreign degrees.

These standards are being introduced as foreign universities are establishing campuses within India’s GIFT city, and Indian universities are engaging in collaborations with international institutes to offer dual or joint degree programmes.