Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications

The agreement was inked on 10th of March 2018 during the India-France Knowledge Summit, the first high-level summit for university, scientific and technological cooperation held by the two countries.

It is the first such intergovernmental agreement that India has entered into.

Welcoming the MoU, the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, said, “I am delighted that the Agreement will benefit Indian students wishing to study in France and French students wishing to study in India since both Governments will recognise their degrees. Over the past few years, our country has taken several steps to facilitate student exchange between India and France. With this MoU, we have reached an important milestone, which is a great opportunity for students from both countries.  In addition to encouraging student mobility, this Agreement will also promote excellence in higher education through cooperation and exchanges between Indian and French universities. People-to-people ties are essential for strengthening our links, and producing ambassadors of each other’s countries.”

As per the signed agreement, the following educational qualifications from India (from Government-approved institutions) are now recognised by the French government:

• All India Senior School Certificate Examination (AISSCE) (CBSE, state boards, pre-university (PU) or any equivalent qualification recognised by the Government of India)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• PhD

The following educational qualifications recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education are now recognised by the Indian government:

• Baccalauréat (equivalent  to AISSCE)
• License (equivalent to Bachelor’s in India)
• Master’s and Master’s level qualifications (equivalent to Master’s in India)

Doctorat (equivalent to PhD in India)

Professional degrees such as Law, Medicine or other professions regulated by a professional council are excluded.  

The mutual recognition of AISSCE and Baccalauréat degrees will enable students to advance their studies in both French and Indian educational systems. It promotes mobility of students between the two countries.