Key Points
- Kerala High Court declares: Degrees from UGC-recognized central universities (e.g., IGNOU, IITs, NITs) do not require equivalence certificates from state universities.
- Landmark judgment by Justice D.K. Singh while hearing the petition of S. Harishankar from Malappuram.
- LBS Centre for Science and Technology had denied SET eligibility certificate to Harishankar despite him passing the exam, citing lack of equivalence certificate.
- Court states: Demanding equivalence for UGC-approved degrees is “irrational” and a “danger signal” for India’s education system.
- Order issued: LBS Centre must immediately grant SET eligibility certificate to the petitioner.
- Ruling clarifies: No extra proof of equivalence needed for degrees from institutions of national importance recognized by UGC.
Kochi: In a significant judgment that could impact thousands of students and professionals nationwide, the Kerala High Court has ruled that degrees awarded by UGC-recognized central universities and institutions of national importance such as IGNOU, IITs, IISc, NITs, and IISERs do not require additional equivalence certificates from state universities for eligibility in state-level exams or jobs.
Case Background: SET Certificate Denied Over Equivalence
The case was brought by S. Harishankar, a resident of Malappuram, who had completed his Master’s degree from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) a central university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Despite successfully passing the Kerala State Eligibility Test (SET), Harishankar was denied the eligibility certificate by the LBS Centre for Science and Technology. The reason: he had not submitted an equivalence certificate from a state university for his IGNOU degree.
State’s Argument: Equivalence Certificate Mandatory
Lawyers representing the LBS Centre and the Kerala government argued that, as per the Kerala Education Act, 1958 and SET rules, even degrees from institutions like IGNOU require an equivalence certificate from a state university to be considered valid for state-level eligibility.
High Court’s Strong Response: “Danger Signal” for Education System
Justice D.K. Singh, presiding over the case, firmly rejected this argument. The court observed:
- IGNOU is a central university of national importance, recognized by the UGC and empowered to award degrees, including those earned through distance education.
- Doubting the validity of such degrees or demanding equivalence certificates is irrational and undermines the national education framework.
- If state universities start demanding equivalence for UGC-approved degrees, it would send a “danger signal” for the integrity and unity of the country’s education system.
Verdict: Immediate Issuance of SET Certificate
On this basis, the court ordered the LBS Centre to immediately issue the SET eligibility certificate to Harishankar for the July 2021 exam. The judgment also clarified that, going forward, no additional proof or equivalence certificate should be required for degrees from UGC-approved central universities or institutions of national importance.
What This Means for Students and Professionals
- Students with degrees from IGNOU, IITs, NITs, and other UGC-recognized central institutions can now apply for state-level exams and jobs in Kerala without the burden of obtaining equivalence certificates.
- The ruling sets a precedent that could influence similar cases and policies in other states, promoting uniformity and trust in the national higher education system.
This landmark decision is a major relief for lakhs of students and professionals holding central university degrees, reaffirming the value and validity of UGC-approved qualifications across India.
