News- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the “Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025” to streamline the process of recognizing foreign degrees in India. UGC Equivalence Certificate Regulations 2025.
About UGC Equivalence Certificate Regulations 2025
Aim: To establish a structured and transparent framework for issuing equivalence certificates, which certify that a foreign qualification (degree/diploma/certificate) is comparable to an Indian qualification.
Applicability: The certificates will be valid across all academic institutions under the University Grants Commission (UGC) for purposes of higher education, research, and employment where UGC-recognised qualifications are mandatory.
Exceptions (Not Covered): Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Architecture and other qualifications governed by their respective Statutory Councils in India.
Other Key Features:
- Distance and online learning qualifications are now included (a shift from the earlier draft).
- Equivalence is not required for degrees from foreign institutions that collaborate with Indian institutions under twinning, joint, or dual degree programmes, or for foreign institutions set up in India under UGC norms.
Conditions for Granting Equivalence: A foreign qualification is eligible if:
- It is awarded by an institution recognised in its home country.
- The entry requirements (e.g., credits, thesis/internship) are similar to Indian programmes.
- The programme is completed as per the norms of the foreign institution.
- Qualifications from offshore campuses are eligible if they comply with the academic requirements of both the host country and the parent country.
- School-level qualifications from abroad are also covered, provided the student has completed 12 years of schooling and seeks undergraduate admission in India.
Process for Granting Equivalence:
- UGC will maintain an online portal for applications.
- A standing committee will examine applications and make recommendations within 10 working days.
- Final decisions will be communicated within 15 days of receiving the application.
- In case of rejection, a review mechanism is available via a committee constituted by the UGC.
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