University Body Issues Warning: MPhil not a ‘recognised’ degree.

In a recent notice, the University Grants Commission (UGC) emphasized its advisory against students seeking admission to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program, as the commission does not recognize this degree. The UGC further instructed universities to cease admissions to the MPhil program for the academic year 2023-24.

The UGC highlighted its awareness of some universities inviting fresh applications for the MPhil program, clarifying that the MPhil degree is not officially recognized. According to Regulation No 14 of the UGC [Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of PhD Degree] Regulations 2022, higher educational institutions are prohibited from offering the MPhil program. In an official statement, the university body urged authorities to promptly halt admissions for the 2023-24 academic year and advised students against enrolling in the MPhil program.

Earlier this month, the UGC mandated that foreign higher educational institutions (HEIs) must obtain prior approval from the commission to offer any program in India. The regulations also specified that HEIs should not provide programs through franchise arrangements, and the UGC would not recognize such programs, including twinning, joint degree, and dual degree programs.

The UGC expressed concern over HEIs and colleges entering collaborative agreements with foreign-based educational institutions/providers not recognized by the commission. These collaborations have reportedly facilitated the issuance of degrees to students, but the UGC asserted that such arrangements and degrees are not recognized. The notice emphasized that any collaboration or arrangement not endorsed by the UGC is not recognized, and consequently, degrees issued under such circumstances lack UGC recognition.