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New Delhi, April 6, 2025: Indian students returning with degrees from abroad can expect a smoother process for qualification recognition, thanks to new guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The framework, titled the UGC (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2025, aims to bring clarity and speed to the equivalence process while ensuring academic quality.
The primary goal, according to the UGC, is to facilitate easier transitions for returning students and bolster India’s position in the global academic landscape. A key aspect of the new regulations involves a strict focus on the credibility of the foreign institution.
“Only qualifications from reasonably reputed foreign institutions are recognised,” stated UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar, as quoted by The Times of India. The regulations mandate that degrees will only be considered for equivalence if the awarding institution is officially recognised and accredited by the competent authorities in its home country.
Interestingly, the rules allow for the potential recognition of degrees awarded by offshore campuses of foreign institutions, provided these campuses meet specific quality standards. However, the UGC has explicitly excluded qualifications obtained through franchising agreements, where a third-party delivers the course content, citing concerns about maintaining academic rigour.
The new framework also extends to recognizing school-level qualifications obtained abroad for students seeking admission into undergraduate programmes in India, subject to certain conditions.
To manage the process, a dedicated online portal will be established for submitting applications for equivalence certificates. These applications will be reviewed by an expert Standing Committee, with provisions for a Review Committee if necessary.
Equivalence granted under these new regulations will be valid for both pursuing further higher education and seeking employment opportunities within India. However, the UGC clarified that these rules do not apply to professional qualifications in fields like Medicine, Law, and Architecture, which remain under the purview of their respective professional councils.
The final regulations were shaped following public consultation on a draft version released in 2023, highlighting a consultative approach to this significant policy update.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided regarding the UGC (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2025. Readers are advised to consult the official UGC notifications for complete and authoritative details.(
