In a landmark move to foster the internationalisation of Indian higher education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a new regulation for recognizing and granting equivalence to foreign academic qualifications. Titled the UGC (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2024, the framework came into effect on March 22, 2024.
This reform aims to bring clarity, predictability, and efficiency to the process of evaluating foreign degrees, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The objective is to remove uncertainties and bureaucratic hurdles faced by students returning from abroad, while also paving the way for a more inclusive and globally competitive education system in India.
Structured and Transparent Framework for Foreign Credential Recognition
With the rise in international student mobility and global academic partnerships, the need for a standardised process to assess foreign qualifications has become more pressing. The UGC’s new regulation lays out a clear, tech-enabled procedure for determining equivalence, ensuring transparency and speed in the evaluation process.
“Students with foreign degrees deserve a consistent and streamlined approach for recognition in India’s academic or employment landscape,” said Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC.
Key Criteria for Equivalence
Foreign qualifications will be granted equivalence under the new framework if they meet the following four conditions:
- Awarded by a recognized foreign institution
- Completed via full-time, in-person learning (with exceptions for doctoral and post-doctoral programs)
- Not honorary in nature
- Not obtained through a franchise or pathway arrangement
Degrees that fulfill these criteria will be recognised automatically—without requiring approval from regulatory bodies such as AICTE, NMC, or BCI (except in professional fields like law, medicine, or architecture, which remain under the jurisdiction of respective councils).
Flexibility for Joint and Dual Degrees
The regulation also supports joint and dual degrees earned through formal collaborations between Indian and foreign institutions, provided they are approved by relevant statutory authorities.
Tech-Driven Portal for Applications
To ensure ease of access, the UGC has launched a dedicated online portal where students and institutions can submit applications for recognition or seek clarifications. A special committee has been formed to handle representations, review disputes, and address grievances related to foreign degree equivalence.
“This technology-led system reflects NEP 2020’s vision of making India a global education hub,” said Kumar.
Wider Scope and Global Outlook
The regulation applies to all levels of education—from secondary and senior secondary to higher education degrees. However, professional qualifications in fields like medicine, law, or architecture will continue to be assessed by respective professional bodies.
By formalising a long-overdue mechanism for foreign degree recognition, the UGC has filled a crucial gap in India’s education ecosystem. The move is expected to facilitate smoother transitions for Indian students returning from abroad, while also attracting more international learners to study in India.
“This is a pivotal step toward building a truly global and inclusive Indian education system,” Kumar concluded.
