UGC notifies new rules for recognition of foreign degrees

 

UGC Notifies New Rules for Recognition of Foreign Degrees
New framework promises timely, transparent process for non-professional degrees

New Delhi

In a significant reform move aimed at facilitating the academic and professional journeys of Indian students returning from abroad, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025. The new rules are expected to eliminate the long-standing delays and procedural ambiguities that students with foreign degrees have traditionally faced when seeking recognition in India.

Objective: A Transparent and Time-Bound Mechanism

The new regulations, notified on April 4, introduce a technology-driven, transparent, and structured process for granting equivalence to foreign academic qualifications. The framework aims to process applications for non-professional degrees within 15 working days, a major improvement from the months-long delays that students previously endured.

UGC Chairperson Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar stated, “This reform addresses a long-standing challenge and is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s goal of transforming India into a global hub for education.”

Scope: What Degrees Are Covered?

The regulations apply to all foreign degrees except professional courses such as:

• Medicine
• Law
• Nursing
• Architecture
• Pharmacy

These disciplines will continue to be governed by their respective statutory regulatory councils like the National Medical Commission (NMC), Bar Council of India (BCI), and others. Furthermore, degrees obtained through franchising arrangements between foreign institutions and Indian colleges will not be considered for equivalence.

However, qualifications earned from off-shore campuses of foreign universities can be considered, subject to specific conditions.

Online Portal for Applications

Under the new system, applicants must submit their degree documents and relevant information through a dedicated UGC online portal. A standing committee of experts will evaluate each application within 10 working days, reviewing parameters like:

• Duration of the course
• Credit system (with a 10% variation allowed)
• Curriculum structure
• Learning outcomes

After evaluation, the equivalence certificate will be issued upon payment of the prescribed fee.

Replacing the Century-Old System

This reform replaces the previous model that had been handled by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) since 1925. The AIU processed around 2,000 equivalence requests annually from over 1.33 million Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, according to government data from August 2024.

By transferring the responsibility directly to the UGC and digitizing the process, the government aims to create a more efficient and student-friendly experience.

Safeguarding Standards and Ensuring Fairness

The new regulation is not only about efficiency but also about safeguarding the academic integrity of Indian higher education. “Only qualifications from reasonably reputed foreign institutions will be recognised,” said Prof. Kumar. This ensures that while welcoming global exposure, India maintains its academic standards.

He further added, “If Indian institutions are to attract international students, we must ensure fair recognition of degrees earned abroad.”

Significance for Returning Students

For students returning to India with foreign degrees, this reform means:

• Easier access to further studies in Indian universities
• Enhanced employability in Indian public and private sectors
• Reduced uncertainty and stress in degree validation

The move is seen as a critical step toward internationalizing Indian higher education and promoting India as a credible education destination.

Conclusion

With the new regulations in place, UGC has addressed one of the major pain points of returning Indian students. By ensuring fairness, speed, and transparency in recognising foreign qualifications, the initiative not only empowers students but also supports India’s broader vision under NEP 2020—to be a global leader in education.