UGC Unveils Global Degree Rules

In a landmark move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has unveiled a comprehensive framework aimed at recognizing international academic qualifications. This progressive step is expected to ease the academic transition for students with foreign degrees and boost India’s global educational ties.

The newly introduced framework outlines the criteria and processes through which foreign qualifications, including diplomas, degrees, and certificates awarded by international universities and institutions, will be recognized in India. The recognition will facilitate students in pursuing further education, employment, and research opportunities within the country.

The UGC stated that the initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes internationalization and global academic collaboration. The framework has been designed keeping in mind the growing number of Indian students studying abroad and international students seeking opportunities in India.

Under the new system, foreign qualifications will be assessed based on equivalence in terms of curriculum, duration, academic rigor, and learning outcomes. The UGC will also consult with various educational bodies, including the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), to ensure consistency in the evaluation process.

One of the highlights of the framework is the digitization of the evaluation process. This will streamline applications and reduce the time taken for qualification recognition. It will also ensure transparency and provide a single-window platform for applicants.

Institutions that have been recognized by internationally accepted quality assurance agencies and that operate within the legal framework of their respective countries will be considered under this framework. The UGC emphasized that fraudulent degrees or unaccredited institutions will not be eligible for recognition.

This initiative is expected to benefit thousands of Indian students returning from abroad with international degrees and diplomas. It will also encourage more global academic partnerships, student exchanges, and joint research ventures.

Educational experts have welcomed the move, citing it as a step forward in making the Indian higher education system more inclusive, globally competitive, and aligned with international standards.

With this framework in place, India aims to become a preferred hub for global education, supporting both inbound and outbound student mobility.

The UGC has also called upon universities and institutions in India to adopt and integrate the new framework into their admission and recruitment processes promptly. The guidelines are now available on the UGC's official website for public access.

This initiative not only bridges academic gaps between countries but also enhances the credibility of India’s academic infrastructure on the global stage.

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