UGC Warns Against Unapproved Foreign Degree Programs in India
UGC Chairman Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar emphasized that no foreign Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) can offer programs in India without the prior approval of the Commission. The UGC has become aware of collaborations between Indian HEIs and foreign institutions that are not recognized by the Commission, leading to the issuance of degrees that lack UGC recognition. Such collaborations or arrangements are considered invalid, and degrees obtained through them will not be recognized by the UGC. The UGC Chairman also addressed EdTech companies advertising online degree and diploma programs in association with foreign universities, stating that such franchise arrangements are impermissible and will not have UGC recognition. Action will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies and HEIs under applicable laws. Students and the general public are advised to exercise caution, as degrees from such arrangements lack UGC recognition.
The UGC has enacted regulations regarding Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions for Twinning Programs, Joint Degree, and Dual Degree Programs (Regulations, 2022) and University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. These regulations explicitly state that HEIs shall not offer programs under franchise arrangements, and such programs will not be recognized by the UGC. The Chairman urged stakeholders to be cautious and informed about the UGC’s recognition status when considering educational collaborations.
