NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a new set of regulations to streamline the process of recognising and granting equivalence to academic qualifications obtained from foreign educational institutions on Saturday. The regulations come at a time when international student mobility is on the rise and India is looking to position itself as a hub for global education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. For students studying abroad, the move means their qualifications will be more easily recognised upon return, while ensuring that only degrees from reputable foreign institutions are considered — thus safeguarding academic integrity.
The regulations allow for the recognition of qualifications obtained from offshore campuses of foreign educational institutions, provided they meet specific criteria. However, it draws a firm line against qualifications obtained through franchising arrangements, stating that these will not be eligible for equivalence. This is likely to prevent misuse and ensure that students earn degrees from legitimate and quality institutions.
Titled the UGC (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2025, the rules are expected to significantly benefit Indian students who study abroad and seek to continue their academic or professional journey in India.
“These regulations mark a positive step to align the Indian education system with global standards. It will provide a transparent and easy mechanism to recognise foreign qualifications obtained by the students. With this, we aim to enhance opportunities for students and promote academic exchange,” said M Jagadesh Kumar, chairperson, UGC.
The 2025 regulations aim to address long-standing challenges by laying down a comprehensive and structured framework. Among the key provisions, the UGC has clarified that equivalence will be granted to qualifications awarded by foreign institutions that are duly recognised in their home countries. This includes institutions listed by designated accreditation or recognition agencies.
“The process ensures only qualifications from reasonably reputed foreign institutions are recognised. This safeguards the interests of Indian students and the integrity of Indian higher education while matching global standards,” Kumar added.
Another important provision is the acceptance of foreign school-level qualifications for admission into undergraduate and equivalent programmes in Indian institutions, subject to prescribed conditions. This is expected to ease transitions for students moving to India after completing secondary education abroad.
The UGC will also operate a dedicated online portal for receiving and processing applications for equivalence certificates . A Standing Committee of experts will examine these applications and make recommendations. If an applicant is dissatisfied with a decision, they may seek a review through a Review Committee constituted by the UGC.
Equivalence certificates issued under the regulations will be valid for the purpose of pursuing higher education and research in India, as well as for employment opportunities.
Importantly, the regulations do not apply to professional qualifications in disciplines such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, and Architecture—areas governed by respective statutory councils in India.
According to the UGC, the final regulations were shaped after “careful consideration of the extensive public feedback received on the draft regulations issued in 2023,” reflecting a consultative and inclusive policy-making process.
By establishing a clear and standardised mechanism, the UGC hopes to not only ease the path for Indian students returning from abroad but also reinforce India’s global academic linkages and its aspirations under NEP 2020.
The regulations allow for the recognition of qualifications obtained from offshore campuses of foreign educational institutions, provided they meet specific criteria. However, it draws a firm line against qualifications obtained through franchising arrangements, stating that these will not be eligible for equivalence. This is likely to prevent misuse and ensure that students earn degrees from legitimate and quality institutions.
Titled the UGC (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications Obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2025, the rules are expected to significantly benefit Indian students who study abroad and seek to continue their academic or professional journey in India.
“These regulations mark a positive step to align the Indian education system with global standards. It will provide a transparent and easy mechanism to recognise foreign qualifications obtained by the students. With this, we aim to enhance opportunities for students and promote academic exchange,” said M Jagadesh Kumar, chairperson, UGC.
The 2025 regulations aim to address long-standing challenges by laying down a comprehensive and structured framework. Among the key provisions, the UGC has clarified that equivalence will be granted to qualifications awarded by foreign institutions that are duly recognised in their home countries. This includes institutions listed by designated accreditation or recognition agencies.
“The process ensures only qualifications from reasonably reputed foreign institutions are recognised. This safeguards the interests of Indian students and the integrity of Indian higher education while matching global standards,” Kumar added.
Another important provision is the acceptance of foreign school-level qualifications for admission into undergraduate and equivalent programmes in Indian institutions, subject to prescribed conditions. This is expected to ease transitions for students moving to India after completing secondary education abroad.
The UGC will also operate a dedicated online portal for receiving and processing applications for equivalence certificates . A Standing Committee of experts will examine these applications and make recommendations. If an applicant is dissatisfied with a decision, they may seek a review through a Review Committee constituted by the UGC.
Equivalence certificates issued under the regulations will be valid for the purpose of pursuing higher education and research in India, as well as for employment opportunities.
Importantly, the regulations do not apply to professional qualifications in disciplines such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, and Architecture—areas governed by respective statutory councils in India.
According to the UGC, the final regulations were shaped after “careful consideration of the extensive public feedback received on the draft regulations issued in 2023,” reflecting a consultative and inclusive policy-making process.
By establishing a clear and standardised mechanism, the UGC hopes to not only ease the path for Indian students returning from abroad but also reinforce India’s global academic linkages and its aspirations under NEP 2020.
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