The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently introduced the Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions to offer Joint Degree, Dual Degree, and Twinning Programmes Regulations, 2022. This move will enable partnering institutes to provide three types of programmes – twinning, joint degrees and dual degrees. These new regulations come with a set of key amendments and provisions.
Key Points of the New Regulations
The newly released regulations by the UGC include several essential points.
Dual Degree Programmes
One of the notable provisions is for ‘dual degree programmes’. Under this, both Indian and foreign institutions involved in collaboration will offer separate and simultaneous degrees for a course of the same discipline and level.
Regulation Easing
The new regulation has made it easier for Indian universities that meet a minimum academic standard to offer these programmes without requiring UGC’s approval.
Joint Degrees
For joint degree programmes, students will have to travel abroad to earn credits. However, they will not need to apply for admission separately while doing so.
Dual Degrees
In the case of dual degrees, students are required to earn at least 30% of their course credit from the foreign institution. The degrees, awarded by both the Indian and foreign institutions, will specify the credits earned at each institution.
Twinning Arrangement
With the twinning arrangement, a student can divide their study between India and a foreign university. However, only the Indian university will award the diploma or degree.
Exceptions to the New Regulations
These regulations do not apply to any programs delivered online or via open and distance learning mode.
Significance of New Regulations
These new regulations will encourage Indian students to pursue a foreign degree and improve their employability in the international market.
About University Grants Commission
The University Grants Commission was established on 28th December 1953. It became a statutory body by an Act of Parliament in 1956, tasked with coordinating, determining, and maintaining standards of teaching, examination, and research in university education. The UGC’s head office is situated in New Delhi.