NEW DELHI: The UGC has released a draft guideline that will provide opportunities for Indian students to study courses in the world's best universities without going abroad.

This will be part of the National Education Policy, through which there will be an opportunity for foreign universities to have undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and post-doctoral courses in India. he public can submit their opinions till January 18.

There is a condition that degrees and programs offered in India must be equivalent to the courses offered in home campus abroad and also it should be eligible for higher education and employment. Foreign standards should also be maintained. It should be equivalent to corresponding degrees and programs in Indian universities.

Main terms:

• Opportunity for top 500 foreign universities in the world.
• UGC permission to start off campuses.
• Information such as infrastructure, availability of faculties, fee structure, academic programs courses, curriculum and financial resources required for setting up campuses in India should be provided.
• Space and buildings to be arranged by foreign universities.
• The courses cannot be curbed in between without UGC’s permission.
• UGC Standing Committee to check off-campus approval, quality of courses etc.
• Foreign universities can decide the fee structure of courses etc.
• Teachers can decide their own qualification, salary, appointment etc. Eligibility criteria of Main Campus should also be met in India.
• Courses should be aligned with India's national interests and higher education standards. The integrity, security, foreign policy, law and order, dignity etc. of the country should not be violated.
• Do not use Indian campuses for promotion of main campus.
• Income from India will be subject to foreign exchange rules.

Opening of off campus is subject to UGC approval. Fees should be transparent and fair." Said M. Jagadesh Kumar, UGC Chairman.