UGC will grant equivalence to foreign degrees excluding franchise, professional courses

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued the Regulations on Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Higher Education Institutions, 2025. The UGC guidelines will facilitate the mobility of students and promote the internationalisation of the Indian education system.

“For students studying abroad, this regulation means their qualifications will be valued and the process of recognition will be eased upon their return. At the same time, the process ensures only qualifications from reasonably reputed foreign institutions are recognised. This safeguards the interests of Indian students and the integrity of Indian higher education while matching global standards,” said UGC chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar.

Till date, only the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has been granting equivalence to degrees awarded by recognised foreign universities and institutions.

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UGC regulations on foreign degree equivalence

The key highlights of the UGC norms are as follows:

• Equivalence will be granted to qualifications obtained from off-shore campuses of foreign educational institutions, subject to specific conditions.
• Qualifications obtained through franchising arrangements will not be considered for equivalence.
• A qualification obtained from a school situated in a foreign country shall be accepted for determining equivalence for the purpose of admission to undergraduate and equivalent programmes of study in a higher educational institution in India, subject to the laid down conditions.
• UGC will maintain a dedicated online portal to receive and process applications for equivalence certificates.
• A standing committee of experts will examine applications and make recommendations to the commission.
• Applicants can seek a review of the decision through a review committee constituted by the UGC.
• Equivalence certificates will be valid for pursuing higher education and research in Indian institutions and for employment purposes.
• The regulations do not apply to professional qualifications in disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, law, and architecture, and other qualifications regulated by respective statutory councils in India.