New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued Regulations for Granting Equivalence to Qualifications Acquired from Foreign Higher Education Institutions, 2025. These regulations streamline the recognition of foreign degrees, enhance student mobility and promote the internationalisation of Indian higher education.
Under the new framework, the UGC will directly grant equivalence to foreign degrees, a responsibility that previously rested solely with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Students can now apply for equivalence certificates through a dedicated UGC portal, making the process faster, more transparent and accessible.
UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadeesh Kumar said, “These regulations ensure that foreign qualifications are recognised efficiently while maintaining academic standards and protecting the interests of Indian students.”
Important Highlights of the UGC Foreign Degree Equivalence Regulations 2025
UGC will evaluate and grant equivalence to degrees awarded by recognized foreign universities and their offshore campuses, subject to specific conditions.
- Degrees obtained through franchising or collaboration-based arrangements will not be considered for equivalence.
- Foreign school qualifications will be accepted for admission into Indian undergraduate and equivalent programs, provided they meet the established criteria.
- A centralized online portal will manage all applications for equivalence certification.
- A standing committee of subject matter experts will review applications and submit recommendations to the Commission.
- Applicants can request a review of their case through a UGC-appointed review committee.
- Equivalence certificates will be valid for pursuing higher education, research, and employment opportunities in India.
- These regulations do not apply to professional qualifications such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, law, and architecture, which fall under separate regulatory councils in India.
Impact and Benefits
The new UGC equivalency rules bring Indian academic accreditation in line with international standards, simplify the degree verification process and ensure quality assurance. The initiative is expected to benefit Indian students returning from abroad and strengthen India’s position as a global education hub in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
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