UGC Chairman Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar emphasized that no foreign Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) can conduct programs in India without prior approval from the Commission. He stated that UGC regulations strictly prohibit foreign HEIs from offering any program in India without prior approval. The UGC has observed that several HEIs and colleges have entered into unauthorized collaborations with foreign educational institutions, leading to the issuance of degrees not recognized by the Commission. Professor Kumar warned against such collaborations, stating that degrees obtained through these arrangements would not be recognized by the UGC. Additionally, he highlighted concerns about certain EdTech companies advertising degree and diploma programs online in association with foreign universities, stressing that such franchise arrangements are impermissible and degrees from these programs lack UGC recognition. Professor Kumar affirmed that action would be taken against defaulting EdTech companies and HEIs under applicable laws. He urged students and the public to exercise caution, emphasizing that degrees lacking UGC recognition should be avoided. The UGC has enacted regulations governing academic collaborations between Indian and foreign HEIs, emphasizing that programs offered under franchise arrangements will not be recognized by the UGC.
Key Points:
1. UGC Chairman Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar stated that no foreign Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) can offer programs in India without prior approval from the Commission.
2. The regulations emphasize that collaborative agreements or arrangements between Indian HEIs and foreign-based educational institutions require UGC approval.
3. Many institutions facilitating degrees in collaboration with unrecognized foreign-based educational colleges or universities have been reported to the UGC.
4. Collaborations without UGC recognition, and degrees issued through such arrangements, will not be recognized by the Commission.
5. UGC has observed EdTech companies advertising degree and diploma programs in association with foreign universities, but such franchise arrangements are not permissible, and degrees from them won't have UGC recognition.
6. Action will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies and HEIs under applicable laws.
7. Students and the public are advised to exercise caution, as degrees from unapproved collaborations do not carry UGC recognition.
8. UGC, under the UGC Act, 1956, has notified regulations for Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions and the Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India.
9. The regulations prohibit HEIs from offering programs under franchise arrangements, and such programs will not be recognized by the UGC.
10. The UGC emphasizes the importance of adhering to these regulations to ensure the quality and recognition of educational programs in India.
(With Agency Inputs)
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