Assam: UGC flags alliance with unrecognized foreign institutions

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh public notice warning students and higher education institutions (HEIs) against entering into unauthorized collaborations with foreign educational providers. This follows an earlier notification dated December 12, 2023, regarding academic collaborations between Indian and foreign institutions.

According to the UGC, several HEIs and colleges have entered into arrangements with foreign-based institutions that are not recognized by the Commission. These collaborations often involve awarding degrees to students enrolled through such tie-ups, which the UGC has deemed invalid and illegal under its regulations.

The notice also highlights the growing trend of EdTech companies advertising degree and diploma programs in partnership with foreign universities through various media platforms. The UGC reiterated that such programs are not recognized and any degrees obtained through them hold no official validity in India.

Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the UGC, emphasized that strict action will be taken against defaulting institutions and EdTech firms under existing laws and regulations. “Students/general publics are once again advised to exercise due caution and are made aware that such courses/programmes/degrees do not have UGC recognition and that they would be doing at their own risk and consequences,” the notice warns.

The UGC has made it clear that only collaborations approved under its 2022 and 2023 regulations will be recognized. Students are urged to verify the credentials of any institution or program before enrollment to avoid falling victim to unapproved educational offerings.

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