UGC paves way for exemption of foreign PhD holders from NET

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has amended its rules regarding equivalency of foreign PhD degree vis-à-vis Indian doctorate degrees.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has amended its rules regarding equivalency of foreign PhD degree vis-à-vis Indian doctorate degrees.

As per the new regulations, any foreign PhD degree which is held equivalent to Indian doctorate degrees by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) will now be treated valid for exemption from the National Eligibility Test (NET) for appointment to the post of assistant professor in Indian universities and colleges.

“A communiqué in this regard has been issued by UGC secretary Rajnish Jain on June 8,” said dean student welfare (DSW) and public relations officer of the Allahabad University (AU) Prof Harsh Kumar.

He said the decision was taken in a meeting held in New Delhi on March 20.

According to clause 12.0 of the University Grants Commission (minimum standards and procedure for award of MPhil/PhD) Regulations, 2016, if the MPhil/PhD degree is awarded by a foreign university, the Indian institution considering such a degree should refer the issue to a Standing Committee constituted by the institution concerned to determine the equivalence of the degree awarded by a foreign university.

“The missive says that UGC had been receiving queries from stakeholders seeking clarification on equivalence of foreign and Indian degrees. UGC authorities held a meeting to discuss the issue and took a decision in this regard,” Prof Kumar said.

“It has now been clarified that universities can also use the provision to determine the validity of foreign PhD degrees for exemption from NET for appointment as assistant professors in Indian universities and colleges,” he added.

He said the decision of would now be put before appropriate bodies of Allahabad University and implemented after due process.