UGC Issues Warning to EdTechs Against Unrecognized Foreign University Collaborations

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently issued a stem warning to Indian students regarding the recognition of courses offered through collaborations with foreign institutions. The commission has issued cautions for them against enrolling in courses offered by universities in collaboration with foreign institutions that lack recognition from the UGC.

The UGC has been exercising its power under the UGC Act 1956 and has introduced the University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions to offer Twinning Programmes, Joint Degree, Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022, and University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. These regulations instruct that no foreign higher educational institution can offer any program in India without prior approval from the commission.

The official notice released emphasizes the need for students and the general public to exercise caution while considering courses offered through collaborations with foreign universities. The commission also highlighted the frequency of higher educational institutions that lack UGC recognition leading to the issuance that are not recognized by the Commission.

Furthermore, the UGC has extended its warning to EdTech platforms against the advertisement and offering of degree and diploma programs in an online mode without proper authorization. The notice explicitly states that any such programs or degrees offered through unauthorized franchise arrangements will not be recognized by the commission.

The notice also served as a reminder of the Delhi High Court’s directive to the UGC in September that urged for necessary action against universities and colleges offering unspecified degrees. The court emphasized compliance with the law including penal provisions to ensure the legitimacy of academic programs.

As a cautionary measure, the UGC advised students and the general public to exercise due diligence in enrolling in courses offered by institutions involved in collaborations not recognized by the commission.

The UGC concluded by stating that it will take action against both defaulting EdTech companies and higher education institutions under applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The move is aimed at safeguarding the interests of students and upholding the standards of education recognized by the UGC.