The University Grants Commission (UGC) today issued a warning to Indian students about enrolling in courses offered by universities in collaboration with foreign universities that are not recognised by the commission.

“It is for the information of the general public and all concerned stakeholders that in the exercise of its powers given under the UGC Act, 1956 (as amended); UGC has notified the University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions to offer Twinning Programme, 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.

UGC Regulations mandate that No Foreign Higher Educational Institution shall offer any programme in India without the prior approval of UGC, HEls shall not offer programmes under any franchise arrangement and such programmes shall not be recognised by UGC.
— Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (@mamidala90) December 16, 2023

“The Regulations mandate that No Foreign Higher Educational Institution shall offer any programme in India without the prior approval of the Commission,” the UGC said in an official notice.

Furthermore, the UGC has warned EdTech platforms against offering degree and diploma programmes online. "It has also come to UGC's attention that some EdTech companies are advertising in newspapers/social media/television, etc., offering degree and diploma programmes in Online modes in collaboration with some foreign universities/institutions." Such a franchisee arrangement is not permitted, and any such program/degree will not be recognised by the UGC," according to the notice.

UGC also stated that action will be taken against all defaulting EdTech companies as well as HEIs in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.