Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced regulations facilitating the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) into India, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Major features of UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India) Regulations, 2023
| Specifications | Details |
| Approval | FHEIs require UGC’s approval before the establishment of Indian campuses, offering any program, or discontinuing any course or program. |
| Not allowed to offer programs contrary to Indian higher education standards. | |
| Eligibility | FHEIs must be ranked within the top 500 in global rankings (overall or subject-wise) or possess outstanding expertise in a particular area. |
| Qualifications | Qualifications awarded and the quality of education in Indian campuses must be equivalent to those awarded in their home jurisdiction. |
| FHEIs cannot offer programs online or in open and distance learning modes. Online lectures are limited to 10% of program requirements. | |
| Application Process | Application has to be submitted on the UGC portal, which then will be vetted by a Standing Committee and it will then be recommended to UGC within 60 days
|
| Campuses | Collaboration of two or more universities is allowed. Each foreign university can set up multiple campuses, requiring a separate application for each proposed campus. Prior UGC approval is necessary for new courses. |
| Autonomy | Allowed to decide the admission process, and criteria, recruit faculty and staff, and set a transparent and reasonable fee structure. |
| Restrictions | FHEIs’ operations should not be contrary to India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency, or morality. |
| For receiving donations from foreign sources, FHEIs require prior permission from the Central Government (under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010) |
