UGC issues guidelines regarding supernumerary seats for international students

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines for admission and creation of supernumerary seats for international students in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Indian higher educational institutes (HEIs).

The aim of the UGC is to streamline and simplify the admission process for international students in Indian higher educational institutions, creating a favorable environment to attract them to the country's education system and positioning India as the preferred choice for international students.

25% additional supernumerary seats

HEIs have been granted permission to establish up to 25 percent additional seats for international students, exceeding their sanctioned enrolment quotas for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This decision rests with the respective institutions, who must adhere to guidelines and regulations set forth by regulatory bodies, taking into account factors such as infrastructure, faculty, and other necessities.

Exclusions from the supernumerary seats

However, as per the UGC official notice, these 25 percent supernumerary seats designated for international students do not encompass those participating in exchange programs or those admitted through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements between institutions or between the Government of India and other nations.

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Allocation of supernumerary seats

Higher educational institutions are instructed to allocate these 25 percent seats among all departments, schools, centers, or any other academic unit within the institution. The UGC emphasizes that supernumerary seats should be reserved exclusively for international students in both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs. If any of these seats remain unfilled, they should not be allocated to any other candidate except an international student.

Governance of supernumerary seats

Supernumerary seats in professional and technical institutes will be governed by the respective statutory bodies, while seats for PhD. programs will adhere to the regulations outlined by the UGC.

Requirement for international students office

Furthermore, it is mandated for all such institutions to establish an 'Office for International Students' tasked with maintaining detailed records, including country of origin, number of students, program/subject, and duration of enrollment on a yearly basis.