UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar says new international diploma norms will align Indian training with world requirements
NEW DELHI: In a serious reform geared toward selling internationalisation in Indian greater training, the College Grants Fee (UGC) has launched a brand new set of rules for the popularity and equivalence of international {qualifications}. The UGC (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to {Qualifications} Obtained from Overseas Academic Establishments) Rules, 2024, had been notified on March 22, 2024, and have come into drive from the identical date.
The brand new framework is anticipated to offer readability and predictability for college kids getting back from abroad with educational {qualifications}. By laying out a clear and technology-driven course of, the rules intention to eradicate delays and ambiguities in assessing international levels, thereby aligning with the imaginative and prescient of the Nationwide Training Coverage (NEP) 2020.
Structured framework to guage international credentials
With rising scholar mobility and worldwide collaborations, Indian establishments are seeing a gentle inflow of scholars with international {qualifications}. Recognising this pattern, the UGC has launched a standardised equivalence framework that clearly defines eligibility standards, the method of utility, and the position of recognised authorities.
“Many college students return with worldwide {qualifications} to seamlessly combine into India’s greater training system or workforce. Such college students want a structured process to guage international credentials with out unpredictable delays and procedural ambiguity,” stated Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC.
Key options of the brand new regulation
Beneath the 2024 regulation, equivalence will now be granted if the qualification meets 4 broad standards:
1. It’s awarded by a recognised international establishment.
2. It’s delivered by way of full-time, in-person studying (exceptions exist for doctoral and post-doctoral {qualifications}).
3. It isn’t solely an honorary qualification.
4. It isn’t obtained by way of a franchise association or pathway programme.
{Qualifications} that meet these requirements will likely be recognised with none want for prior approval from regulatory our bodies such because the All India Council for Technical Training (AICTE) or Nationwide Medical Fee (NMC).
Moreover, the regulation gives flexibility for joint levels and twin levels obtained by way of collaborative preparations between Indian and international establishments, so long as such preparations are authorized by related statutory authorities.
Expertise-driven and clear course of
In a transfer to make sure effectivity, the UGC has arrange a portal-based system for college kids to submit requests for recognition and equivalence. Establishments may also request clarification on behalf of scholars. The system will likely be supported by a devoted committee for redressal of disputes and queries associated to equivalence.
Kumar highlighted, “UGC has developed a clear, technology-driven mechanism for recognizing international {qualifications} from colleges and better training institutes. This transfer is essential given the NEP 2020’s imaginative and prescient of remodeling India into a world examine vacation spot.”
Step towards internationalisation and inclusion
The brand new regulation not solely advantages Indian college students getting back from overseas but additionally creates a conducive surroundings for attracting worldwide learners. By addressing long-standing points associated to international qualification recognition, UGC goals to make the Indian greater training system extra aggressive globally.
“If Indian establishments are to draw worldwide college students, we should guarantee honest recognition of levels earned overseas,” Kumar stated. He added that with this reform, “UGC has taken a decisive step by way of this important reform towards making India’s greater training system extra inclusive, aggressive, and future-ready.”
Portal launched for ease of utility
UGC has launched a devoted on-line portal for submitting functions and for establishments to hunt clarifications. A committee has additionally been shaped to look at illustration instances and resolve disputes associated to equivalence.
Implementation and scope
The regulation applies to all levels and {qualifications} awarded by international academic establishments on the secondary, senior secondary, and better training ranges. Nevertheless, skilled {qualifications} that fall below the purview {of professional} councils will proceed to be evaluated by the respective statutory authorities.
With this landmark regulation, UGC has addressed a important hole in India’s educational panorama, facilitating smoother educational and profession transitions for globally educated college students.
