According to officials, the University Grants Commission (UGC) would take action against all EdTech companies that provide degree and certificate courses online in collaboration with international universities. The UGC stated in a public notice that no foreign higher educational institution can offer any programme in India without the commission's prior clearance.

This comes after the Delhi High Court urged the University Grants Commission (UGC) in September to take appropriate action against institutions and colleges giving undefined degrees in order to ensure compliance with the law, including punitive provisions on the subject. According to a UGC notification dated December 12, several EdTech companies are advertising degree and diploma programmes in online modes in collaboration with select overseas universities and institutes.

According to the officials, such a franchisee structure is not permitted, and any such programme or degree will not be recognised by the UGC. "Action will also be taken against all the defaulting EdTech companies as well as the HEls under applicable laws, rules and regulations," according to the notice.

The notice also stated that many higher-education institutions (HEIs) and colleges have entered into collaborative agreements and arrangements with foreign-based educational institutions and providers that are not recognised by the Commission, facilitating the issuance of degrees from such foreign-based educational institutions and educational providers to students enrolled in those institutions and colleges.

"Any such kind of collaboration or arrangement is not recognised by the University Grants Commission and accordingly, the degrees issued after such collaboration and arrangement are also not recognised by the Commission," according to the letter.