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Once more regarding the approvals of the courses themselves.
Dear Sir,I have encountered a troubling situation. I am from Bihar, and I have heard from many that the courses they studied are not recognized in Kerala. Could you assist me with this issue?
Specifically, I completed a paramedical course offered by a center in Kerala, affiliated with a university outside the state. However, when I attempted to register my degree at the employment exchange, I was informed that this qualification is not recognized for jobs in the government health sector in Kerala. Additionally, the Kerala Health University has not granted recognition or parity to this course, and I was told that I would not be able to obtain registration with the Paramedical Council in Kerala. Can you help me with this?
This morning, two children called me with similar concerns. Many people are unaware of the recognition process for courses and how to ensure their qualifications are equivalent across states. There are countless doubts and misunderstandings regarding this matter.
Let’s take a closer look at this issue to gain a better understanding.

How can you confirm whether the course you studied is approved and recognized?
All undergraduate and postgraduate degrees offered by universities in Kerala are mutually recognized by these institutions. This recognition also extends to distance education degrees from universities within the state, including those from Sree Narayana Guru Open University.
However, not all universities extend this recognition to open degree programs where undergraduate studies are conducted regularly or privately. An open degree allows students who have reached the required age for degree courses but have not completed class 12 to pursue a degree by completing foundational or bridge courses. Calicut University used to offer such degrees, but this is no longer the case.
In India, many universities offering distance education also provide open degree programs. It is crucial to thoroughly verify the validity of these courses before enrolling. Falling prey to the enticing promises of agents or agencies can lead to significant personal loss.
All regular degrees conducted by universities operating outside Kerala but within India, as well as those offered by educational institutions conducting undergraduate and postgraduate research programs in science, technology, and humanities subjects of national importance, are generally recognized by universities in Kerala for higher studies and employment.
The universities and other institutions of national significance mentioned above must be recognized by either the University Grants Commission of India (UGC) or the Association of Indian Universities.
To ensure parity for degrees and postgraduate research degrees awarded by these universities and national-level institutions, Kerala universities must offer programs that have identical names, not just similar subjects. If this criterion is not fulfilled, the academic councils of the respective Kerala universities are mandated to provide equivalency based on their established guidelines.
Apart from this, universities in Kerala do not automatically recognize or equate undergraduate and postgraduate diploma and certificate courses offered through distance education by universities in India accredited by the UGC's Distance Education Bureau (DEB) through a blanket order. 
In such cases, students must obtain recognition for their degrees from the Academic Council of the respective Kerala university where recognition is sought. It's important to note that a degree approved by Kannur University may not necessarily be recognized by the University of Kerala or any other university in Kerala.
When the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) issues notifications for jobs requiring a bachelor's degree, graduates from universities outside Kerala through distance education can also apply. However, their degree must be accepted by at least one university in Kerala, and an equivalence certificate must be issued accordingly.

Similarly, students returning to Kerala with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees obtained from universities outside India must obtain an equivalency certificate from Kerala universities for higher studies and employment. This process involves applying for and obtaining an equivalency certificate from the relevant authorities.
It's important to understand the procedures followed by Kerala universities to accept such courses and degrees in all the aforementioned situations.

▪️To obtain recognition for the courses studied:
When applying for approval of a course that has not been recognized by any university in Kerala, the university concerned must complete the application form designated for the recognition of other courses. Additionally, the prescribed fee should be paid into the university's account, and two copies of the following documents must be submitted. Each university provides an online portal for application.
▫️One set should include a copy of the curriculum, syllabus, and scheme of the degree seeking recognition and equivalence, duly attested by the Registrar, Controller of Examinations of the awarding university, or the authorized officer. It must be clearly indicated that this curriculum and scheme were in place during the period when the applicant pursued the degree.
▫️Another set should include a duplicate copy of the syllabus and scheme, attested by a gazetted officer, and submitted along with the application (totaling two sets).
▫️Two copies each of the mark sheet and degree certificate of the degree seeking recognition and equivalence should be submitted, attested by a gazetted officer.
▫️For Ph.D. degrees, the original thesis and a copy thereof should be attested and submitted with the application. Additionally, an affidavit from the head of the department confirming the completion of the degree in full-time or part-time mode is required.
▫️In addition to the aforementioned documents, applicants must provide a certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) affirming that the degree is equivalent to a university degree in India. Furthermore, a certificate issued by the Indian Embassy in the respective country confirming the recognition of the institution where the course was conducted must also be included.

▫️Applications seeking such recognition undergo evaluation by the 'Board of Studies' and the 'Dean' of the Kerala universities. Based on their assessment, the academic council of the respective universities grants recognition and equivalence.
The application must explicitly state the specific course for which the university is seeking recognition and equivalence.
Additionally, it is essential that at least 60% of the content of the course seeking recognition and equivalence aligns with the curriculum of the university applying for recognition.
It's important to note that universities are not obligated to grant recognition and equivalence solely based on the submission of a complete application.
(For detailed conditions, please refer to the university's official website where the application is submitted.)

✳️The main point:
It's crucial to study and understand the recognition status of a course before enrolling. There are various agencies in India responsible for approving different courses. Ensure that the institution has the approval of a statutory agency and that it is authorized to conduct the chosen course. 
To verify which institutions outside Kerala can offer courses within Kerala, visit the UGC site to check the jurisdiction of these universities. Note that courses from Calicut University in Kerala are not permitted to be conducted within the jurisdiction of Kerala University.
▪️Approval for certain courses is sometimes granted for a limited period. Similarly, there may be restrictions on the number of seats available for admission to a course (this is particularly important for courses like B.Ed.). The NCTE website clearly specifies the number of students each institution can admit for each course.
Additionally, institutions must obtain separate recognition for part-time and full-time courses. It is crucial to verify not only the course and college recognition but also the accreditation of the university that awards the degree. NAAC accreditation and NIRF ranking standards are important factors to consider.
🩸 Now let's take a look at the agencies in India that approve various courses:

▫️University Grants Commission (UGC): Regulates the recognition and functioning of universities in India. The UGC website provides details of recognized universities and also lists fake universities. Website: [www.ugc.ac.in](http://www.ugc.ac.in).
▫️All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE):Approves engineering, MBA, MCA, pharmacy, hotel management, BBA, and BCA courses. Website: [www.aicte-india.org](http://www.aicte-india.org).
▫️National Medical Commission (NMC): Provides information on the approval status of medical courses and institutions. Website: [www.nmc.org.in](http://www.nmc.org.in).
▫️Dental Council of India (DCI): Approves dentistry courses like BDS. Website: [https://dciindia.gov.in/](https://dciindia.gov.in/).
▫️Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH): Determines the approval of homoeopathy courses and institutions. Website: [www.cchindia.com](http://www.cchindia.com).
▫️Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM): Oversees the quality and approval of courses in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Website: [www.cciindia.org](http://www.cciindia.org). These councils fall under the Ministry of AYUSH (Website: [www.ayuwsh.gov.in](http://www.ayush.gov.in)).
▫️Council of Architecture (COA): Approves architecture courses and institutions in India. Website: [www.coa.gov.in](http://www.coa.gov.in).
▫️Nursing Council of India (NCI): Recognizes nursing courses at the national level. State Nursing Council approval is also required. Website: [www.indiannursingcouncil.org](http://www.indiannursingcouncil.org).
▫️Pharmacy Council of India (PCI): Approves pharmacy-related courses, alongside respective State Pharmacy Councils. Website: [www.pci.nic.in](http://www.pci.nic.in).
▫️Paramedical Council of India: Approval status for paramedical courses can be found on their website. Website: [www.paramedicalcouncilofindia.org](http://www.paramedicalcouncilofindia.org).Check state council sites as well. Note that while a separate law for the Allied Health category exists, implementation rules are still in their infancy in many states.
▫️Rehabilitation Council of India: Offers courses in rehabilitation and special education.Website:[www.rehabcouncil.nic.in](http://www.rehabcouncil.nic.in)
▫️Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): Approves courses in agriculture, fisheries, veterinary, forestry, and horticulture. Website: [www.icar.org.in](http://www.icar.org.in).
▫️International Air Transport Association (IATA): Recognizes travel and tourism courses. Website: [www.iata.org](http://www.iata.org).
▫️Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): Approves aviation industry courses. Website: [www.dgca.gov.in](http://www.dgca.gov.in).
▫️Union Ministry of Shipping: Approves marine courses. Website: [www.dgshipping.gov.in](http://www.dgshipping.gov.in).
▫️National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE): Approves teaching-related courses. Website: [www.ncte.gov.in](http://www.ncte.gov.in).
▫️UGC-DEB (Distance Education Bureau): Oversees courses offered through online/distance education in India. Details can be found at [www.ugc.ac.in/deb](http://www.ugc.ac.in/deb).
In summary, it is crucial to thoroughly research and ensure the recognition of a course before enrolling. Use your own judgment and seek guidance from reputable NGOs, such as the Center for Information and Guidance India (CIGI) ([www.cigi.org](http://www.cigi.org)),which provide honest advice to thousands of people. Avoid falling into the trap of career business consultants, agents, or agencies that may mislead you into enrolling in unapproved courses.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team