Representational Image
Guwahati, April 23: In a joint advisory issued by the higher education regulators of India — the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) —has warned Indian students from pursuing higher education in Pakistan as a degree from an educational institution in Pakistan "shall not be eligible for seeking employment or higher studies in India".
However, it has provided relaxation to the migrants and their children who have a higher education degree in Pakistan and have been awarded citizenship by India. Such candidates are eligible for seeking employment in India after obtaining Security Clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
"All concerned are advised not to travel to Pakistan for pursuing higher education. Any Indian national or Overseas Citizen of India who intends to take admission to any degree college or educational institution of Pakistan shall not be eligible for seeking employment or higher studies in India on the basis of such educational qualifications (in any subject) acquired in Pakistan," the advisory read.
"However, migrants and their children who have acquired higher education degrees in Pakistan and have been awarded citizenship by India would be eligible for seeking employment in India after obtaining security clearance from the M.H.A," it added.
The joint advisory comes just a month after the regulatory authorities warned Indian students against studying in China.
The warning against China came after universities in China imposed Covid-related travel restrictions and suspended visas of Indian students forcing hundreds to return to India. The advisory also added that they "do not recognise" any degree course in online mode without prior approval, despite the Chinese authorities having conveyed earlier that "courses will be conducted online".
However, the recent advisory against studying in Pakistan doesn't seem to have any such event preceding it, apart from the already strained ties between the two countries.