Equivalence of Educational Qualifications – Recognition of Edexcel International Advanced Level Certificate.
2025 KER 45744 : 2025 KLT OnLine 2184
High Court of Kerala
Hon’ble Mr. Justice D. K. Singh
WP(C) No. 2585 of 2024; June 24, 2025
Facts: The petitioner, having completed her +2 education under the Pearson International Advanced Level (Edexcel, UK) at Peace Public School, Kollam, sought admission to a B.A. Literature degree at S N College for Women, Kollam. The University of Kerala refused to register her admission, citing that the Edexcel International Advanced Level certificate was not recognized as equivalent to the +2 qualification of Indian Boards. The petitioner produced an Equivalence Certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) dated August 8, 2023, equating her qualification to the 12-year Senior School Certificate of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Issue: Whether the Equivalence Certificate issued by the AIU, recognizing the petitioner’s Edexcel International Advanced Level qualification as equivalent to the +2 of CBSE, is sufficient for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree program at the University of Kerala.
Held: The High Court allowed the writ petition, directing the University of Kerala to treat the petitioner’s Equivalence Certificate issued by the AIU as equivalent to the +2 qualification for admission to Bachelor’s Degree programs. The Court relied on the precedent in University Grants Commission v. Anand J Illickan (2015 (3) KLT SN 20), which upheld the statutory authority of the AIU to grant equivalence certificates under UGC Regulations. The Court held that no further equivalence certificate from any other authority was required, as the AIU’s certificate was sufficient for the qualification’s recognition.
Key Observations:
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The University of Kerala’s contention that the Edexcel International Advanced Level is not recognized without approval from its Academic Council and the Higher Secondary Directorate was overruled, given the AIU’s statutory recognition.
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The AIU’s Equivalence Certificate is binding on universities for admission purposes, as per UGC Regulations and judicial precedent.
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The petitioner’s qualification, supported by the AIU certificate, fulfilled the eligibility criteria for admission to the degree program.
Result: Writ petition allowed. University directed to recognize the petitioner’s qualification for admission. No order as to costs.
Counsel:
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For Petitioner: Sri. P.M. Saneer, Shri. Tony George Kannanthanam, Shri. Bibin B. Thomas
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For Respondents: Shri. Thomas Abraham (University of Kerala), Shri. S. Krishnamoorthy (UGC)
K/1548/1999 |
K/696/1989 |
K/4038/2023 |
K/236/1982 |
K/687/1987 |
