UGC rolls out new equivalence certificate system for students with foreign qualifications

It aimed to simplify the process for students with foreign degrees who wish to pursue higher education and research in Indian institutions besides for unemployment purposes

Hyderabad: To streamline the academic journey of students with foreign qualifications, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has rolled out regulations for a new equivalence certificate system in the country.

The initiative is aimed at systematising the process of recognising and granting equivalence to qualifications obtained by students from foreign educational institutions. It also aimed to simplify the process for students with foreign degrees who wish to pursue higher education and research in Indian institutions besides for unemployment purposes.

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The new UGC regulations provide a framework for recognising qualifications awarded by foreign educational institutions, which are recognised in their home country. Equivalence will be granted to qualification obtained from off-shore campuses of foreign educational institutions, subject to specific conditions.

As per the regulations, a qualification obtained from a school situated in a foreign country will be accepted for determining equivalence for the purpose of admission to undergraduate and equivalent programmes of study in a higher education institution in India, subject to the laid down conditions. However, a qualification UGC framework obtained through the franchising arrangements will not be considered for equivalence.

For issuing equivalence certificates, the UGC will maintain a dedicated online portal to receive and process applications. A standing committee of experts will examine the applications and make necessary recommendations to the Commission. The applicants can seek a review of the decision through a review committee constituted by the UGC.

However, the regulations will not apply to professional qualifications in disciplines such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, and Architecture, and other qualifications regulated by respective Statutory Councils in India.

UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar said for students studying abroad, this regulation means their qualifications will be valued and the process of recognition will be eased upon their return.

“At the same time, the process ensures only qualifications from reasonably reputed foreign institutions are recognised. This safeguards the interests of Indian students and the integrity of Indian higher education while matching global standards,” he added.