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UGC has warned students and institutions against enrolling in online degree or diploma courses offered via unapproved tie-ups between EdTech firms and foreign universities.

In a fresh advisory issued this week, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned students, parents, and higher education institutions (HEIs) in India against enrolling in or promoting online degree and diploma programmes offered through unrecognised partnerships between EdTech companies and foreign universities.

The higher education regulator has taken note of several EdTech platforms advertising such programmes in collaboration with foreign institutions, many of which have not received the necessary approval from the UGC. As per the circular, any degree or diploma earned through these unapproved tie-ups will not be recognised in India.

"Students and the general public are hereby advised not to be misled by advertisements or promotional content issued by such EdTech companies or unrecognised foreign HEIs," the UGC stated, adding that it will take appropriate legal action against institutions and platforms found violating the rules.

The Commission noted that several foreign-based educational institutions are signing contracts with Indian colleges and universities to offer online courses without first securing approval under current laws. These include the UGC (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2022, and the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

The advisory also clarified that Indian HEIs are not permitted to collaborate with foreign universities unless the partnership is officially approved by the UGC. Further, the regulator emphasized that it does not recognise franchise arrangements or unauthorised collaborations facilitated by EdTech companies.

In a follow-up message posted on social media, the UGC reiterated its stance: “UGC warns students and institutions against collaborations with foreign-based education providers and EdTech companies that are not recognised by the Commission.”

The UGC has previously raised concerns about uncontrolled collaborations in online education. Over the past few years, especially following the rise of online learning during the pandemic, the Commission has repeatedly warned students to be cautious about the legitimacy of such programmes.