National Education Policy Boost: UGC to Recognize Foreign Degrees More Efficiently

UGC Introduces Regulations to Improve Access for Students with Global Qualifications

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the establishment of a standardised equivalence framework aimed at expediting the integration of students with international qualifications into India’s higher education system and workforce. This initiative is designed to simplify and accelerate the process of recognising foreign credentials and addressing concerns related to delays and procedural ambiguities.

According to Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC, the commission has developed a transparent, technology-driven mechanism for evaluating international qualifications. He highlighted that this move aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to position India as a global study destination. Kumar also underscored the importance of fair recognition of foreign degrees for attracting international students and noted that the new regulation resolves long-standing challenges, making India’s higher education system more inclusive, competitive, and future-ready.

In line with this initiative, the UGC has introduced the Regulations on Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Higher Education Institutions, 2025. These guidelines focus on supporting Indian students abroad and promoting the internationalisation of India’s education system by recognising qualifications solely from accredited foreign universities, excluding lesser-known institutions. This approach is expected to facilitate the integration of students into India’s education system and enhance their employment opportunities. While the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has been the primary body responsible for granting equivalence to degrees from recognised foreign institutions, the UGC’s updated guidelines expand this framework. They stipulate that equivalence will be granted to qualifications from offshore campuses of foreign universities, excluding those obtained through franchising arrangements.

Furthermore, foreign school qualifications will be accepted for undergraduate admissions in India, subject to specific conditions. To streamline the process, the UGC plans to launch an online portal for applications, with expert committees reviewing submissions and making recommendations. Applicants will have the option to request reviews of decisions, and equivalence certificates will be valid for higher education, research, and employment within India.

It is important to note that the UGC has clarified that these regulations will not apply to professional qualifications in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, law, and architecture, as these are governed by respective statutory councils in India. The UGC’s new framework is a progressive step toward enhancing the inclusivity and efficiency of India’s higher education system, ultimately benefiting students and strengthening the country’s global academic standing.

Editor's Note:

The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new standardized equivalence framework marks an important milestone for students with international qualifications seeking to integrate into India’s education system and workforce. By creating a transparent and structured mechanism to recognize foreign credentials, the UGC is addressing long-standing challenges of delays and procedural ambiguity. This initiative also aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, supporting inclusivity and positioning India as a global academic destination. Moreover, these regulations enhance opportunities for students from diverse international backgrounds while ensuring recognition of only accredited qualifications. With measures such as an online application portal and expert committees, the UGC is fostering efficiency and equity in higher education. 

Skoobuzz highlights that this step forward underscores India's commitment to improving access to education, supporting global academic collaboration, and strengthening its appeal to international students.