In addition to cautioning against collaborative agreements with unrecognized foreign universities, the University Grants Commission (UGC) Secretary, Manish Joshi, underscored the lack of validity in degrees resulting from such partnerships. Stressing that these agreements lack UGC recognition, Joshi highlighted that the degrees issued under such arrangements are not acknowledged by the commission.
The UGC has observed a widespread practice where Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and colleges engage in collaborations with foreign educational institutions or providers without UGC recognition, leading to the issuance of foreign degrees to students. Joshi unequivocally stated that any such collaboration or arrangement is not recognized by the UGC.
Furthermore, Joshi drew attention to the UGC’s awareness of certain edtech companies advertising online degree and diploma programs in newspapers, social media, and television, claiming association with foreign universities and institutions. He clarified that such franchise arrangements are impermissible, and resulting programs or degrees will lack UGC recognition. The UGC intends to take action against defaulting edtech companies and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in line with applicable regulations.
In response to these developments, Joshi issued a robust advisory to students and the general public, urging them to exercise due caution. He emphasized that enrolling in courses offered through these collaborations would be at the individual’s own risk. The UGC actively strives to uphold the integrity and recognition of educational qualifications and warns against participating in programs that do not adhere to established standards and regulations.
Also read: UGC approves credit-linked short-term skill courses