New Delhi, February 14 --- Indian universities and colleges would be allowed to collaborate and start academic courses and research programmes with reputed foreign educational institutions from the next academic session.
But before going ahead, they would require a certification of competence from premier national accreditation bodies like National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Bengaluru-based NAAC is an autonomous body under the University Grants Commission (UGC) that assesses and accredits institutions on different parameters related to quality education in higher educational institutions.
A senior government official said that educational institutions would also be required to raise budget of their own and ensure that they can sustain it in a long run.
Funds can later be allocated by the government based on demand and how well such foreign collaborated courses have progressed and sustained, an official pointed out.
Sources said some 16 technical institutes in engineering, hotel management and similar other professional institutions were allowed for tie-up with foreign institutions, but institutions imparting non professional and general courses would now get a chance.
Additionally, this is in line with Union HRD Ministry willing to give more autonomy and promoting research-based work in the country. The government is also aiming at reforming the UGC aimed at reforms at UGC and give autonomy to colleges and institutions.
Last month, the Union cabinet approved autonomy for premier B-Schools, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). They can also be able to set up their campus outside India.
UGC has issued regulations and guidelines on collaboration between Indian and foreign universities with a view to increase synergy between Indian and foreign academic institutions.
The aim is to offer students additional choices and to improve curriculum and the delivery of knowledge and educational content, said a senior UGC official.
The government is concerned over the poor quality of research in higher educational institutions and is of the view that such foreign tie-ups would further accelerate research works in the country.
Giving priority on research, PM Research Fellowship has been created with Rs 75 crore which was announced in the recent budget. Additionally the annual budget for research work at higher education has also been increased from Rs 50 crore to Rs 85 crore, a whooping 70 per cent increase in the recent budget announced.