More British universities should start recognising certifications by Indian education boards while visa norms "should be more facilitative in nature", Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani told British High Commissioner James David Bevan here Tuesday.In the meeting between the high commissioner and the minister, "opportunities to strengthen educational ties" were discussed.Irani particularly stressed on the removal of barriers that hinder student mobility."Citing examples, she highlighted that while prestigious universities like Oxford recognise India's CBSE certification, most other universities in Britain do not," said a statement from the ministry."Further, the scores of the English language test (IELTS) needed for admissions in British universities are currently valid only for one year and this should be extended for at least three years," it added."Similarly, visa norms should be more facilitative in nature."
Reiterating that the British government was keen to "further strengthen its collaboration with India" in education and research, Bevan said Britain was looking forward to a new collaborative arrangement, which will focus on skills, leadership development and innovation.Other areas of collaboration between the two countries that were discussed include partnering for the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and the national e-library being planned to be developed by India as well as sharing of expertise in the field of school education and teachers' training.