UGC Issues Warning Against Unrecognized Foreign Collaborations and Online Programs

The UGC has emphasized that actions will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies and HEIs under applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a critical public notice, cautioning the general public and stakeholders regarding collaborations between Indian and foreign higher education institutions.

In its public notice, UGC has stated that it has identified numerous HEIs and colleges engaging in collaborative agreements with foreign educational institutions/providers that lack recognition from the Commission. Degrees issued by such institutions as a result of these collaborations are also unrecognized by the UGC.

In exercising its authority under the UGC Act, 1956 (as amended), the UGC has notified two crucial regulations: The University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions to offer Twinning Programme, Joint Degree, Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022, and the University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

According to these regulations, the UGC mandates that no foreign higher educational institution is permitted to offer any program in India without prior approval from the Commission. Additionally, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are prohibited from offering programs under franchise arrangements, and such programs will not be recognized by the UGC.

The UGC has identified numerous HEIs and colleges engaging in collaborative agreements with foreign educational institutions/providers that lack recognition from the Commission. Degrees issued by such institutions as a result of these collaborations are also unrecognized by the UGC.

EdTech offering Degree, Diploma with Foreign Institutions impermissible

Furthermore, the UGC has taken note of certain EdTech companies advertising degree and diploma programs in online modes in association with foreign universities/institutions. These franchise arrangements are deemed impermissible by the UGC, and any program or degree offered through such means will not receive UGC recognition.

The UGC has emphasized that actions will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies and HEIs under applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

In light of these developments, students and the general public are strongly advised to exercise caution. They are informed that courses, programs, or degrees lacking UGC recognition carry potential risks and consequences, and individuals enrolling in such programs do so at their own peril.

The UGC's public notice serves as a warning to prevent individuals from pursuing programs that do not meet the Commission's accreditation standards and regulations.