The University Grants Commission has now finalised a draft regulation which will lay down guidelines for academic collaboration between Indian and foreign higher education institutions to offer joint, dual degree and twinning programmes. The guidelines will be announced soon.

Eligibility criteria for Indian higher education-

1. Should score minimum 3.01 in NAAC’s accreditation (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) or
2. Should be enlisted in the top 100 in University category of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or
3. Should be an Institution of Eminence.

For a foreign higher education institution to participate in any such degree or programme, it should be in top 500 of Times Higher Education or QS World University rankings.

Any Indian or foreign institution accredited by other agency than stated above will have to take approval from UGC.

Any degree or diploma awarded based on these collaborations will be considered equivalent to any corresponding degree/diploma awarded by the Indian higher education institution.

The institutions would be allowed to undertake four types of academic collaborations which are; credit recognition and transfer, joint degree programme, dual degree programme and twinning arrangement.

In the twinning programme the degree will be awarded by the Indian institution only whereas in a joint degree programme, a single certificate will be awarded bearing the crests and logo of both collaborating institutions.

These regulations are not applicable to online or distance- learning programmes.

We will soon release a more detailed analysis of this announcement and what it means for UK HEIs.

If you have any questions please write to Aatreyee Guha Thakurta (Regional Marketing and Communications Manager, International Education Services, South Asia).

Read more at:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/you-can-earn-dual-degree-from-indian-and-foreign-higher-edu-institutions/articleshow/81129442.cms

https://www.livemint.com/education/news/ugc-finalises-draft-for-institutions-offering-joint-or-dual-degrees-11613887214384.html