DUAL DEGREES

In order to broaden the scope of quality higher education and permit better flexibility, the UGC has increased collaboration between Indian and foreign universities for various courses

- Abhilash Kumar Singh and India Legal Bureau

ACADEMIC TIE-UPS

The University Grants Commission has introduced three types of degrees for students under the collaborative programmes-dual, joint and twinning

THE UGC has eased the process of collaboration between Indian and international education by approving dual and joint degrees with foreign universities. Students can now pursue a single course in both Indian and foreign institutions easily. This is part of the vision of UGC to broaden the scope of quality higher education for Indian students, permit better flexibility and reduce its supervisory position.

Previously, if an Indian and foreign higher education institution planned to collaborate, UGC had to be "satisfied” about the arrangement after an extensive vetting process. This ranged from examining MoUs between institutes, to issuing letters of approvals or rejections.

The programmes under these new amendments will be offered from undergraduate to PhD levels, and will directly come into effect from 2022-23 onwards. For PhD programmes, the students will be provided separate arrangements and supervision in the respective institutions. However, they will have to stay for a minimum of one semester at each institution. Courses available online or for distance learning will not come under this amendment.

UGC has introduced three types of degrees for students under such collaborative programmes-dual, joint and twinning degrees. But such degrees will be applicable to students in the same discipline, and at the same level. For instance, a pupil enrolled in a BA History programme in an Indian college can pursue part of her course at an international establishment and will be awarded at two levels, individually and concurrently, by both institutions. While the primary two programmes have been allowed under the outdated rules, there have been few takers, UGC chairperson Prof M Jagadesh Kumar stated.