**Subject:** Recognition and Equivalency of Degrees Awarded by Central Universities
**Summary:**
This document addresses concerns regarding the recognition and equivalency of degrees obtained from Central Universities (including IGNOU, AMU, Jamia Millia Islamia, and JNU) through regular, distance, and online modes. The issue stems from State and private Universities and recruiting agencies requesting equivalency certificates for these degrees.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) regulates the equivalence of qualifications obtained through distance and online learning from Central Universities with conventional modes, as per the University Grants Commission Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020. Regulation 22 of these regulations specifically addresses the equivalence of qualifications acquired through conventional, open and distance learning, and online modes. The complete regulations are available on the UGC website at https://deb.ugc.ac.in.
Furthermore, the UGC addresses specific instances concerning degree equivalency by communicating directly with State Governments, Central Ministries, autonomous/statutory bodies, Public Sector Undertakings, and industry associations whenever such references are received.
Key Entities Referenced
University Grants Commission (UGC): A statutory body responsible for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of university education in India.
IGNOU: Indira Gandhi National Open University, a central university offering programs through distance education.
AMU: Aligarh Muslim University, a central university in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Jamia Milia Islamia: A central university in Delhi, India.
JNU: Jawaharlal Nehru University, a central university in Delhi, India.
University Grants Commission Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020: Regulations by the UGC that stipulate the equivalence of qualifications acquired through conventional or Open and Distance Learning and Online modes.
Central Universities: Universities established or incorporated by or under a Central Act.
Ministry of Education: The Indian government ministry responsible for the implementation of national education policy.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2495
ANSWERED ON-04/08/2025
Recognition/Equivalency of Degrees Awarded by Central Universities
2495. Shri M K Raghavan:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that several State and private Universities as well as
recruiting agencies are demanding equivalency certificates for degree obtained through regular,
distance and online modes from Central Universities like IGNOU, AMU, Jamia Milia Islamia
and JNU;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with steps taken by the Government to regulate such
irregularities;
(c) whether there is any proposal to ensure uniform recognition/equivalency of degree awarded
by Central Universities, regardless of the mode of education across all Universities and
Government departments; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a) to (d) The issue of equivalence of qualifications obtained through distance and online mode
from Central Universities with the regular/conventional mode in undergraduate and post
graduate studies is regulated by the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance
Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, which is available in public
domain on UGC website at https://deb.ugc.ac.in/
Regulation 22 of University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes
and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 stipulates about ‘Equivalence of qualification
acquired through Conventional or Open and Distance Learning and Online modes’.
UGC also writes to the State Governments, Central Ministries, autonomous/statutory bodies,
Public Sector Undertakings and Industry associations etc whenever reference regarding
equivalence of degree is received.
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