Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025

Source: NDTV

Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially notified the Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025.

About Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2025:

• What is it?

• A regulatory framework introduced by the UGC to grant equivalence certificates for academic qualifications obtained from foreign educational institutions. Ensures foreign degrees are formally recognised for higher studies, research, and jobs in India.

• A regulatory framework introduced by the UGC to grant equivalence certificates for academic qualifications obtained from foreign educational institutions.

• Ensures foreign degrees are formally recognised for higher studies, research, and jobs in India.

• Organisation Involved

• University Grants Commission (UGC) — statutory body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Replaces the earlier system managed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

• University Grants Commission (UGC) — statutory body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

• Replaces the earlier system managed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

• Objective:

• To streamline, standardise, and accelerate the recognition of international academic qualifications. Supports the internationalisation goals of NEP 2020 by enabling fair integration of foreign degree holders into Indian academia and employment.

• To streamline, standardise, and accelerate the recognition of international academic qualifications.

• Supports the internationalisation goals of NEP 2020 by enabling fair integration of foreign degree holders into Indian academia and employment.

• Key Features:

• Digital Application Portal: UGC to operate an online portal to receive and process applications. Expert Review Panel: A Standing Committee of educational experts will vet applications. Quick Processing: Recommendations within 10 working days; decisions communicated in 15 days. Transparency & Appeal: Decisions published online; rejected applicants can seek review. Distance/Online Learning Included: Qualifications from valid foreign institutions via online/distance mode now eligible.

• Digital Application Portal: UGC to operate an online portal to receive and process applications.

• Expert Review Panel: A Standing Committee of educational experts will vet applications.

• Quick Processing: Recommendations within 10 working days; decisions communicated in 15 days.

• Transparency & Appeal: Decisions published online; rejected applicants can seek review.

• Distance/Online Learning Included: Qualifications from valid foreign institutions via online/distance mode now eligible.

• Coverage & Exceptions Included:

• Included:

• Degrees, diplomas, and certificates from recognised foreign universities. Offshore campuses if compliant with home and host country laws. School qualifications from abroad for UG admission, if student completed 12 years of school.

• Degrees, diplomas, and certificates from recognised foreign universities.

• Offshore campuses if compliant with home and host country laws.

• School qualifications from abroad for UG admission, if student completed 12 years of school.

• Not Covered:

• Professional qualifications regulated by statutory councils: Medicine, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Architecture, etc. Degrees already part of UGC-approved joint/dual/twinning programs.

• Professional qualifications regulated by statutory councils: Medicine, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Architecture, etc.

• Degrees already part of UGC-approved joint/dual/twinning programs.