UGC Introduces New Regulations for Recognition of Foreign Qualifications in 2025

Overview of the UGC’s 2025 Guidelines for Foreign Qualification Equivalence

In a significant policy update, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a new framework titled “Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025.” These regulations are aimed at simplifying and standardizing the process of recognising foreign academic qualifications in India.

The move is set to benefit Indian students who have studied abroad and are looking to pursue further education or professional opportunities within the country.

Key Highlights of the New UGC Regulations

1. Recognition of Foreign Academic Qualifications

Under the new norms, the UGC will now officially recognise academic degrees obtained from foreign universities, including those awarded by offshore campuses, provided these institutions fulfill certain prescribed standards and recognition criteria.

2. Acceptance of Foreign School-Level Qualifications

The regulations also extend to foreign secondary school qualifications, which will now be accepted for admission into undergraduate and equivalent programs in Indian higher education institutions, subject to compliance with UGC guidelines.

3. Exclusion of Franchised Programs

A clear distinction has been made regarding franchised or collaborative programs. Any qualification obtained through franchising arrangements with foreign institutions will not be considered eligible for equivalence in India.

4. Exemption for Professional Courses

The equivalence policy does not cover professional qualifications in fields such as:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Law
• Architecture

These disciplines fall under the jurisdiction of their respective statutory councils (e.g., NMC, BCI, COA) and will continue to follow separate recognition processes.

Why This Matters for Students

These updated regulations are expected to:

• Smoothen the academic transition for students returning to India after studying abroad.
• Increase transparency and ease in the recognition process.
• Enhance academic mobility and internationalisation of Indian higher education.

According to UGC Chairperson Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, this initiative is part of aligning India’s education ecosystem with global benchmarks, thereby offering more opportunities to students and promoting international academic exchange.

Quality Assurance and Safeguards

Only qualifications from foreign institutions that are duly recognised or accredited by designated authorities in their home countries will be eligible for equivalence. This ensures that only credible and reputable qualifications are accepted, preserving the integrity of the Indian education system.

Application and Review Mechanism

To facilitate the process, the UGC will operate a dedicated online portal for:

• Submission of applications for equivalence certificates
• Tracking of application status
• Receiving updates and notifications

A Standing Committee of Experts will evaluate the applications and recommend whether or not equivalence should be granted.

In cases where applicants are not satisfied with the decision, they can seek redressal through a Review Committee appointed by the UGC.

The equivalence certificates granted will be valid for:

• Pursuing higher education in India
• Enrolling in research programs
• Seeking employment opportunities in both public and private sectors

Conclusion

The UGC’s 2025 foreign qualification equivalence regulations mark a pivotal step toward creating a more globally integrated and student-friendly higher education system in India. With a transparent mechanism and a focus on quality assurance, these rules offer a robust framework for students with international academic backgrounds to transition seamlessly into the Indian education and employment landscape.

Read Also: UGC Extends Deadline for ODL and Online Program Applications for 2025-26 Academic Session

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Hemesh Choudhary

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