Indian and foreign institutions will be able to offer joint degrees soon: UGC
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) approves the regulations for these programs, according to its Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar.
The decision was taken Tuesday at the Higher Education Regulator.
“Any Indian Institution Accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a minimum score of 3.01 or above in the top 100 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or an Institution of Eminence can collaborate with any foreign institution In the top 500 of the Times Higher Education or QS World University ranking, without any prior approval from the UGC, ”Kumar said at a press conference here.
The regulations should not be applicable to the programs online and in the open and distance learning mode, he added.
Kumar, however, clarified that there is no franchise arrangement or study center, “whether overtly or covertly, by any nomenclature used, between a foreign higher educational institution and an Indian higher educational institution.
According to the approved regulations, a “twinning program” shall be a collaborative arrangement whereby students will be enrolled with an Indian higher educational institution. .
“Such twinning programs under the degree will be awarded by the Indian institution,” Kumar said.
For a “joint degree program”, the curriculum shall be designed jointly by a joint certificate of cooperation between Indian and foreign higher educational institutions and a degree.
A “dual degree program” shall be jointly designed by the Indian and foreign higher educational institutions in the same disciplines and subject areas and at the same level.
“Such a program for the degrees shall be conferred by the Indian and foreign higher educational institutions, both separately and simultaneously, upon the completion of the degree requirements of the two institutions. and pursuing subject areas or levels simultaneously, ”the UGC chairman said.
According to the “Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions Offering Twinning, Joint Degree and Dual Degree Programs Regulations, 2022”, the UGC is likely to be notified in the coming week, for a dual degree, by students. At least 30 per cent of total credits from The Indian Institute.
The Indian higher education institutions should seek the necessary approvals from relevant statutory councils and bodies to enter into partnerships with technical, medical, legal, agricultural and other professional programs.
“These regulations are amended by the Indian Higher Educational Institution. There is no authority and the degree to which they are entitled to all benefits, rights and privileges. of a degree awarded by an Indian higher educational institution, “Kumar said.
The UGC chairman said the regulations will provide access to “high quality education” through a collaborative mechanism through Indian students.
“It will lead to internationalization while our students are in India. This will also provide a great opportunity for our students to acquire multidisciplinary education through an internationally relevant curriculum.” Through either twinning or joint degree or degree programs, it will enhance their employability.
“And it is also true that foreign students come and study here. They know more about India, the Indian culture and this can lead to greater cooperation between countries. and large foreign institutions, which can also lead to faculty exchange and sharing best practices, ”Kumar said.
At least four crore foreign students study in India and according to Kumar, the number is expected to go up to Rs 10 crore.
While no capping of fees has been made, the Regulations, it has been stated that, “Fees are applicable to the entire duration of the program (including courses imparted by the Foreign HEI). higher education accessible and affordable to all sections of society “.
