Candidates considering studying abroad must exercise due caution while opting for courses that are of short duration than the ones in our country. Care also has to be careful while choosing courses that are offered in the online mode also, say experts.

Foreign degrees – Fast-track degree programmers offered by universities abroad are an ideal example in this regard. Degree programmers that can be completed in two year’s time or time less than the usual duration can be called fast track degrees. Candidates choosing these degree programmers must be careful as they are not recognized in India.

Thankfully there is a ray of hope in form of Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Students can obtain know about validity of foreign universities and the courses offered abroad.

Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

AIU is an organisation and association of major universities in India and is based in Delhi. It evaluates the courses, syllabi, standards, and credits of foreign Universities pursued abroad and equates them in relation to various courses offered by Indian Universities.

Accreditation status of foreign universities can be obtained from publications namely ‘Commonwealth Universities Yearbook (ACU Publication),’ ‘International Handbook of Universities and World List of Universities (published by International Association of Universities, Paris, France)’ and ‘Accredited Institutions of Post Secondary Education in USA (An American Council on Education Publication).’

Recognition status about degrees awarded by foreign universities in the field of health sciences can be known from sources namely ‘Medical Council of India (http://www.mciindia.org ),’ ‘Dental Council of India (http://www.medistudies.com),’ ‘Pharmacy Council of India (http://www.pci.inc.in),’ ‘ Central Council for Homoeopathy (https://www.cchindia.com/),’ ‘Central Council for Indian Medicines (https://www.ccimindia.org/).’

BITS Pilani signed an agreement with the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, on December 4. The areas of knowledge-sharing activities undertaken include workshops, seminars, and conferences to be conducted on national security fields, according to a statement from BITS Pilani.

The BITS Pilani statement also says that joint research work will be an area of focus for this collaboration. The Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) established at the BITS Pilani will facilitate the partnership.

Both institutes will also undertake research projects including short-term consultancy assignments to deal with industry issues and long-term initiatives to explore emerging and future areas. The collaborations will include the usage of lab infrastructures, faculty members, and research scholars.

BITS Pilani vice chancellor Ramgopal Rao was critical of the tie-up and stated: “Our partnership with DIAT Pune reflects a shared vision that through research and innovation, we can synergistically elevate the defence capability of India and give a technological push to India. Through CRENS we intend to address the veritable challenges and bring about self-reliance in the strategic sectors.

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BHVS Narayana Murthy, vice chancellor of DIAT Pune, stated: “DIAT Pune focuses on developing India’s technological defence capabilities by focused research, innovation, and skill development. BITS Pilani has always led the way for innovation, and our tie-up with the esteemed university will enable us to share resources and expertise to address many of the problems that are now challenging National Security and facilitate an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

Conclusion

The partnership between BITS Pilani and DIAT Pune is a significant step forward in strengthening India’s national security and technological landscape. Through combining research, innovation, and skill development expertise, the two institutions aim to address critical challenges and enhance India’s defence capabilities. Initiatives such as joint research, certificate courses, and resource sharing will foster innovation and self-reliance in this collaboration. This partnership not only shows the importance of academia-industry synergy but also creates a benchmark for strategic collaborations in the building of a technologically robust and secure future for India.