UGC Eases Guidelines for Indian Universities to Form Alliance with Foreign Varsities

According to the official notification issued by University Grants Commission (UGC), Promotion and Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2016 have been eased to increase synergy between Indian and foreign academic institutions.

The initiative has been taken to offer the students new choices, improve curriculum and delivery of knowledge and educational content. The current regulations issued by UGC are in the suppression of UGC Promotion and Maintenance of Standards of Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Educational Institutions Regulations, 2012.

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According to the new regulations, Indian universities and colleges which have the highest grade of accreditation as well as confirming to other eligibility conditions as laid down in the regulations will have a chance to apply online to the UGC for initiating twinning arrangement with quality Foreign Educational Institutions (FEI) with the prescribed quality.

As per new regulations, joint degrees are not allowed, and the degree will be awarded by Indian Educational Institutions (IEIs). The regulations will also facilitate time-bound processing of the online applications by UGC. An online portal regarding academic collaboration with foreign higher educational institutions is all set to be launched shortly. The new regulations have been notified on July 11, 2016.

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The government had also announced on June 3, 2016, that the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) will provide funding and support for engagement of academics from leading foreign universities with state universities. The emphasis will be on pedagogical and curriculum reforms.