Expert hails UGC's guidelines for foreign universities to establish campuses in India

Dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB), Madan Pillutla, envisions that the recent regulatory changes concerning foreign educational institutions in India present an enticing opportunity for leaders of such institutions to explore the prospect of setting up campuses within the country.

"India has always been a very interesting place for people who have been intellectually curious, for universities who have wanted to setup shop in the country. We have had research centres by great universities like Harvard, Chicago in India, but now with these regulations which ease their entry into the country, will make an exciting opportunity for leaders of those educational institutions to consider setting up campuses in India," Pillutla told CNBC-TV18.

Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) finalised guidelines permitting the entry of foreign educational institutions into India.

According to these regulations, "Foreign institutions planning to establish campuses in India must hold a position within the top 500 in the overall global rankings, as determined by the commission, or within the top 500 in subject-specific global rankings, and they should exhibit outstanding expertise in a specific area, as determined by the commission."

The UGC has emphasised that the application process will ensure that these universities maintain the same quality of education and qualifications in India as they do in their primary campuses.

These institutions can offer programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels. However, online or open and distance learning programs are not permitted.

The new regulations provide foreign higher educational institutions with the flexibility to set their fee structures, but they also suggest concessions for Indian citizens.

The UGC has stated that any violations of the guidelines may result in fines, suspension, or even the withdrawal of approval.