It is important for students, professionals, and immigrants who plan to move to America to determine if their Indian qualification is recognized by American law.
The answer is not a simple yes or no. Indian academic qualifications are mostly accepted in America, but they will only be recognized depending on a number of criteria – approval status of the institution, degree layout & use of the degree.
This document will help you figure this out through clearly defined steps that are easy to read and understand while being very useful.
Understand Degree Recognition in the USA
US institutions will not see a degree from India as equal to that of a US Institute without going through a “credential evaluation”. The evaluation measures the equivalency of an applicant’s education against that of the US system.
In most cases, degrees from Indian universities, recognised by a professional authority, are accepted, however, all Indian degrees are not accepted equally by all institutions & may not be accepted at some or all times depending upon the circumstances.
What Is Credential Evaluation and Why Does It Matters?
Credential Evaluation is a means of validating & verifying your academic qualifications, converting them to equivalent degrees in the US & comparing your qualifications to US standards.
Credential Evaluations are important in these areas:
- University admissions
- Employment opportunities
- Immigration processes (i.e, H1B visas, etc.)
If you do not have a credible Credential Evaluation done on your degree, it may not receive proper acceptance in the United States.
Comparison Between Indian and US Degrees
The structure of Indian education differs from that of the US, which is why evaluation becomes necessary.
| Indian Degree | Typical US Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 3 to year Bachelor’s | Often considered less than a full US bachelor’s |
| 4 year Bachelor’s | Equivalent US bachelor’s degree |
| Master’s Degree | Equivalent to US master’s degree |
| Diploma Programs | Depends on duration and institution |
A major concern is the 3 year bachelor’s degree, which may not meet the standard four-year requirement in the US.
Key Factors That Affect Acceptance
Recognition of the Institution
Degrees issued by institutions accredited by the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will generally be accepted as meeting the minimum requirements for admission to graduate programs in US, however, degrees issued by unapproved or non-HECI accredited institutions may not be recognized or may need more evaluation to establish their equivalency to US credential.
Length of Program
The post secondary education program is four years in duration. If a student has completed a 3 year degree program in India, then they would not meet the minimum requirements for admission to a graduate program in the US.
Type of Program
Professional & technical programs will generally have more acceptance than academic programs, which may need that the student provide proof of their academic & work experience.
What is the Purpose of Evaluation?
Your degree’s evaluation is fixed by what you want to fulfill with that degree:
- If you are using it for post-secondary education - Evaluate with detailed evaluations to ensure admission.
- If using it for employment - Employers may accept your degree based on work history & skills.
- If you are using it for immigration - There are strict equivalency criteria that must be met.
Validity of Indian Degrees for Jobs in the USA!
There is generally broad acceptance of Indian degrees by US employers in several fields, particularly those that employ people with degrees in IT, engineering & business.
Candidates applying for jobs are required to also submit:
- Credential Evaluation Reports
- Relevant Work Experience
- Professional Certifications Where Necessary
Many times the actual experience & the skills that they carry will provide as much value as any post-secondary educational credential. Practical experience & skills carry as much weight as academic qualifications.
Validity for Higher Education in the USA!
- An authorized institution from which they have obtained their degree
- A quantifiable Grade Point Average of GPA (and met other admission requirements)
- A course-by-course course evaluation.
Indian students can face challenges if they have earned their post-secondary credentials in three years. Some universities may advantage the requirement to include:
- A Graduate Certificate (Diploma)
- A "Bridge" Program
- A Master's Degree before allowing acceptance into a program.
Validity for H1B Visa and Immigration
Indian academic credentials are accepted for immigration purposes & for H1B visa applications – however, the equivalent degree must be that of a US bachelor’s degree to be valid.
If there is a gap in equivalency, you can use the number of years of work experience to make up for the discrepancy. Generally speaking, each 3 years of experience would count as 1 year of US education equivalency.
As a result, many professionals with 3 year degrees will qualify for the H1B Work Visa.
What are the Types of Credential Evaluation?
Document-by-Document Evaluation
A document-by-document evaluation gives you an overall evaluation of your degree compared to a US equivalent, so it can be used for employment or immigration purposes.
Course-by-Course Evaluation
A course-by-course evaluation gives a detailed evaluation of your degree and is therefore usually requested for university admission purposes. It includes information on the subjects you studied, your grades in those subjects & how many credits were earned for those subjects.
Common Challenges and Practical Solutions
Three-Year Degree Problems
Some applicants have their degrees rejected because of their length.
Two solutions for this problem are to add on further education in the form of master’s or diploma degrees.
Conversion of Low GPAs to US Equivalents
Grading systems in India differ from that of the US Using a professional evaluation will help you to represent your academic performance accurately.
Degrees from Non-Accredited Institutions
Degrees from institutions that are not accredited, or whose accreditation will not be verified, will not be accepted. Verify the accreditation of the institution before applying.
Helpful Tips on How to get Accepted with Your Degree!
- Choose a College that is Recognized and Accredited
- Keep a Strong GPA
- Have a Professional Credential Evaluation Performed
- Keep Your Educational Records Organized
- Get Work Experience or Certifications Related to Your Degree
By following these steps you will increase your chances of acceptance.
MUST READ – Covert International GPA to US GPA
What is the Importance of Professional Credential Evaluation?
Credential evaluation is critical to ensuring that your academic credentials are accurately interpreted in the United States educational system. If you have not had your credentials evaluated, there could be multiple misunderstandings regarding their value, and it also fortifies your application for education, work & immigration.
Having an accurate evaluation of your degree will allow you to gain entry to universities and to achieve success in school and the workplace.
Conclusion!
The validity of an Indian degree in the US varies based on a number of factors such as whether or not the institution was accredited, how long the degree took to complete; and what type of use was intended for the degree.
With proper evaluative procedures and additional documentation Indian students and professionals may use their degrees in the US for obtaining higher education, finding employment or pursuing immigration opportunities.
