UGC cautions against 'unrecognised' foreign tie-ups by HEIs, EdTech firms

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued an advisory to warn students against degrees offered through unrecognised collaborations between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) or colleges and foreign-based educational institutions. The commission has urged the general public to exercise caution and remain aware of such programmes or colleges that lack UGC approval.

According to the official advisory, some EdTech companies are also offering unrecognised degree and diploma courses in online mode in collaboration with foreign universities or institutions. These companies have been promoting such programmes through advertisements in newspapers, on social media, television including other platforms, it added.

“Students/general public are once again advised to exercise due caution and are made aware that such courses/programmes/degrees do not have UGC recognition and that they would be doing so at their own risk and consequences,” the UGC said.

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The commission further stated: “Action will be taken against all the defaulting HEIs and EdTech companies under applicable laws/rules/regulations.”

This notification is a continuation of the public notice dated December 12, 2023, which referred to 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 University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

The UGC reiterated that no collaboration or arrangement outside these approved frameworks is recognised. The degrees issued under such agreements will not be considered valid.