Indias top educational statutory body in University Grants Commission (UGC), issued the regulations to enable the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) into India on Wednesday. This will complement the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, to provide an international dimension to higher studies in the country.In a media release, the UGC said that Foreign Institutions can offer study programs including diplomas, degrees, research, and other programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels in Indian campuses associated with them.These regulations aim to ensure that the education imparted in the campus is at par with that of the main campus in the country of origin and that its operations comply with the applicable laws and Regulations, the UGC said.Top 500 institutions are allowedThe media releases added that the FHEIs intending to establish campuses in India should have secured a position within the top 500 in the overall category of global rankings. It will be reevaluated from time to time. Another criterion included that an institution within the top 500 in the subject-wise category of global rankings will be eligible, as it will be monitored by the Commission from time to time.The release further stated that the qualifications awarded to the students in the Indian campuses shall be recognized and treated as equivalent to the corresponding qualifications awarded by the FHEI in the main campus located in the country of origin.The UGCs media release read, The qualifications awarded under these Regulations shall be equivalent to any corresponding degree awarded by Indian higher educational institutions. There shall be no further requirement of seeking equivalence from any authority. The degree shall have all benefits, rights, and privileges as obtained in the case of a degree awarded by Indian Higher Educational Institutions ordinarily.No courses in online and Distance educationHowever, the media release also clarified that no programs can be offered online in Open and Distance Learning modes under these Regulations. Lectures that will be taken on online mode must not exceed 10 percent of the program requirements. Foreign Higher Educational Institutions are required to seek prior approval from the University Grants Commission before introducing any new program on their campus in India, the UGC regulations read.
