University Grants Commission (UGC) has said that degrees or qualifications acquired from any college or educational institute in Pakistan will not be recognized in India for higher studies or employment. In a joint statement with All India Council Of Technical Education, UGC has advised Indians and overseas citizen of India to not pursue higher studies in Pakistan as such qualification will not be considered for higher studies and employment in the country.
UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar chairman said that it causes problems when students from India go abroad and study in substandard institutions. “Parity of degrees can create problems for students to further continue their higher education or seek employment,” he said.
This news comes as India faces challenges for students who were pursuing studies in China. Nearly 20000 students who returned home due to Covid-19 situation are unable to return to China to continue their studies. China has suspended visa and residence permits since March 2020 because of the pandemic. Despite Indian government’s appeals in the matter, China is yet to respond. Furthermore, nearly 18000 students had to be airlifted from war-torn country of Ukraine.
Talking about the China and Ukraine situation, Kumar said, “We want to advise students to be careful when choosing education institutions in foreign countries for higher education.”
However, migrants and their children who have acquired higher education degree in Pakistan and have been awarded citizenship by India would be eligible for seeking employment in India after obtaining Security Clearance from M.H.A, the statement said.
