The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced draft norms to facilitate foreign universities and educational institutions to establish campuses in India. The introduction of these draft norms signifies an important development in the Indian higher education sector, granting these institutions autonomy while also setting certain rules and procedures.
The UGC’s Draft Norms for Foreign Universities in India
According to the draft norms, only a foreign university that ranks among the top 500 global rankings or a foreign educational institution of repute in its home jurisdiction can apply to the UGC to set up a campus in India. The application will be evaluated by a standing committee appointed by the UGC, which will submit its recommendations within 45 days of examining the institution’s credibility and potential. If approved, the foreign institution will have two years to establish its campuses in India.
An initial approval of 10 years will be granted, which can be extended further. These institutions will have total autonomy to hire faculty and staff from both India and abroad. However, the courses offered cannot be in online and open and distance learning mode. Any qualifications awarded on the Indian campus must hold equivalence to those awarded at the institutions in their home country.
The Significance of Inviting Foreign Universities to India
It is significant to note that nearly 13 lakh students travelled abroad for their studies in 2022, leading to a loss of Rs 5 billion in foreign exchange. Allowing the establishment of foreign university campuses in India will not only prevent this outflow of funds but also offer students access to global quality education.
The concept of setting up foreign universities in India is a part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP’s vision is to facilitate operations of the world’s top 100 universities in India through a legislative framework. This initiative will position India as a global destination for education, promoting collaboration among various universities, and attracting international students to India.
Concerns Surrounding the Policy
While the policy holds potential, it also raises concerns over issues of social justice. The draft regulations currently do not include any provisions for category-based student admissions, such as caste, economic status, minority, armed forces, Divyang, Kashmiri migrants representations, or women reservation.
There is also criticism regarding the potential increase in the cost of education which might leave it out of reach for a significant part of the population. The policy also allows foreign education providers to send funds back to their parent institution abroad, a practice that was previously prohibited.
The Path Forward
Opening up the Indian higher education sector is an important step towards achieving India’s aspiration of becoming a knowledge society. It necessitates not protectionism but competition and collaboration with renowned global institutions. This step signifies a push towards a true Indian renaissance in education.
Finally, the article concludes with two questions from previous UPSC Civil Services Examinations that relate to education in India. This indicates the importance of understanding these recent developments in the education sector for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.