New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has reiterated its advisory to students, cautioning them against enrolling in the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) program, as the commission does not recognise this degree.
The UGC, in an official statement, highlighted Regulation No 14 of the UGC [Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree] Regulations 2022, explicitly stating that higher educational institutions should not offer the MPhil program.
Taking note of certain universities inviting fresh applications for the MPhil program, the UGC directed these institutions to cease admissions for the 2023-24 academic year. The official notice urged university authorities to promptly implement measures to halt admissions to the MPhil program, and students were strongly advised against seeking admission to the said program.
Earlier this month, the UGC introduced a mandate preventing foreign Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) from offering any programs in India without prior approval from the commission. The regulations explicitly stated that HEIs should not provide programs under franchise arrangements, twinning programs, joint degrees, or dual degree programs, with the UGC refusing to recognise such programs.
The UGC, in its notice, expressed concern about numerous HEIs and colleges entering into collaborative agreements with foreign-based educational institutions/providers not recognised by the commission. It stressed that any collaboration or arrangement of this nature is not recognised by the UGC, and consequently, degrees issued as a result of such collaborations are also not acknowledged by the commission.
