UGC Releases Draft Regulations for UG and PG Programs 2025, Invites Public Feedback

The regulations provide a structured pathway for FHEIs to set up campuses, fostering global academic collaboration, exposure to international curricula, and enhanced research opportunities for Indian students.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a public notice announcing the draft University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India, Undergraduate, Postgraduate Programmes) Regulations, 2025.

The draft outlines a framework for regulating undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs, including provisions for foreign higher educational institutions (FHEIs) to establish campuses in India.

The UGC Notice reads: “The National Education Policy 2020 has led to numerous reforms in the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Among NEP 2020's recommendations are degree programs with different durations, multiple entry and multiple exit points, the blending of general education and vocational education, the recognition of prior learning etc. Regulations covering all of the key elements of NEP 2020 that are relevant to undergraduate and graduate programs have been notified by UGC.”

The UGC is seeking feedback from stakeholders, including students, educators, and the public, to refine these regulations before finalization. The last date to submit comments is 30 days from the notice’s publication, with submissions to be sent via email to ugcregulations2025@gmail.com.

The 2025 draft regulations are a significant step toward implementing NEP 2020’s vision of internationalizing Indian higher education while ensuring quality and accessibility in UG and PG programs. Key objectives include:

Facilitating Foreign Universities in India: The regulations provide a structured pathway for FHEIs to set up campuses, fostering global academic collaboration, exposure to international curricula, and enhanced research opportunities for Indian students. This aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global education hub.

Standardizing UG and PG Programs: The draft aims to streamline academic standards, credit frameworks, and program structures across Indian institutions, ensuring consistency and flexibility in line with NEP 2020’s emphasis on multidisciplinary education and multiple entry-exit options.

Details of the Draft Regulations

The public notice highlights its focus on:

Operational Guidelines for FHEIs: Criteria for eligibility, infrastructure, faculty, and quality assurance for foreign campuses.

Program Regulations: Norms for curriculum design, duration, and evaluation of UG and PG programs, potentially incorporating NEP 2020 features like the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).

Stakeholder Accountability: Ensuring FHEIs and Indian institutions adhere to UGC standards to protect student interests.

The draft regulations come at a time when India is expanding its higher education ecosystem. With over 1,100 universities and 40 million students enrolled in higher education (as of recent estimates), the inclusion of FHEIs could enhance access to world-class education, reduce the outflow of Indian students abroad (over 1 million annually), and attract international students. However, challenges like affordability, regulatory compliance, and maintaining academic equity remain critical areas for public feedback.

The UGC’s call for suggestions reflects its commitment to participatory policymaking, especially after recent controversies, such as the debarment of Periyar University from offering online programs due to regulatory violations. By involving the public, the UGC aims to address potential gaps and ensure the regulations are robust and inclusive.

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