University Grants Commission (UGC), recently updated its admission guidelines for foreign candidates removing the provision for entrance tests. The decision was taken at a meeting of UGC called “Internationalisation of UG and PG courses in India,” held last week. Earlier on 18 August 2022, the UGC had made a provision for allotment of up to 25 per cent supernumerary seats, offered to International Students in Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) courses in Higher Education Institutions of India.
"Indian HEIs may admit international students based on the equivalence of entry qualification held by them. The equivalence is to be determined by UGC or any other body recognised by UGC for such purpose or the concerned regulatory bodies of the country. HEIs may adopt a transparent admission process for admitting international students,” said Kumar.
The provision aims at increasing international outreach and strengthening international ties. UGC Chairman, Jagdish Kumar said, “Internationalisation of higher education is an essential aspect of the National Education Policy 2020 and helps in integrating the international and intercultural dimensions in higher education.” According to the data released by the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), 23,439 international candidates arrived in India for higher education in 2021. While in 2019, the figure was over 75,000 international students.
The percentage of supernumerary seats will be decided above the total sanctioned strength of the Higher Education Institutions (HEI), according to the guidelines and regulations issued by the regulatory bodies with regard to the faculty, infrastructure and other needs. The decision shall be taken by the concerned higher authorities.