UGC

UGC Notifies Foreign Qualification Equivalence Regulations 2025: Aims to provide a transparent, structured, and standardised process for recognizing foreign academic qualifications. Finalized after public feedback on the 2023 draft.

Alignment with NEP 2020: Supports the internationalisation of Indian higher education and integration of international/returning Indian students.

UGC to Issue Equivalence Certificates: The UGC will now issue certificates for foreign qualifications, replacing the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Equivalence Certificate Definition: Official document certifying a foreign qualification’s equivalence to an Indian qualification.

Scope of Regulations: Valid for academic institutions under UGC for higher education, research, and employment (where UGC-recognized qualifications are essential). Excludes medicine, pharmacy, nursing, law, architecture, etc., which are regulated by respective statutory councils. Applies to online/distance learning.

Conditions for Equivalence: Foreign institution must be recognised in its home country; entry requirements must be similar to Indian programs; student must meet foreign institution standards.

Process: Online portal for applications, reviewed by expert committee, decision communicated within 15 days. Appeals process available.

Why the Change: To formalise and streamline the qualification recognition process, enhance transparency, and align with global best practices.

UGC’s Role: Statutory body under the Ministry of Education, responsible for coordinating, determining, and maintaining standards of higher education in India. Allocates grants to recognized universities and colleges.

Impact: Structured procedure for evaluating foreign credentials to seamlessly integrate into India’s higher education system or workforce.