The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a list of 22 unrecognized institutions across several states, advising students to verify credentials before admission.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a strong advisory to students and parents, warning them about 22 fake universities that are currently operating across India. These institutions have been found to be misleading students by falsely claiming to be recognized universities, even though they have no approval under the UGC Act, 1956.
According to the UGC, degrees from these universities are not valid for further education or employment, as they operate outside the framework of legally recognized institutions. The commission has urged students to verify the authenticity of any university through the official UGC website before taking admission.
Delhi Tops the List with the Most Fake Universities
The newly released list shows that Delhi has the highest number of fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Puducherry. The UGC expressed concern that, despite repeated public notices and actions, such unrecognized institutions continue to deceive students, who may not be aware of the process of verifying accreditation.
List of Fake Universities Declared by UGC
Andhra Pradesh
Christ’s New Testament Deemed University, Guntur
Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
Delhi
All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University, Alipur
Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj
United Nations University, Delhi
Vocational University, Delhi
ADR-Centric Juridical University, Rajendra Place
Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi
Vishwakarma Open University for Self Employment, Rohini
Spiritual University, Rohini
World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura
Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur
Kerala
International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kozhikode
St. John’s University, Kishnattam
Maharashtra
Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Puducherry
Sri Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Thilaspet, Puducherry
Uttar Pradesh
Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Allahabad
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
West Bengal
Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Thakurpukur, Kolkata
UGC Clarifies That Degrees from These Institutions Are Invalid
In its official statement, the UGC emphasized that the Institute of Management and Engineering in Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi, has been offering unauthorized degree programs, which violates Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956. The commission clarified that this institution has no legal status, as it has not been established under any Central or State Act, nor recognized under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act.
This means that any degree, diploma, or certificate obtained from these institutions has no academic or professional validity. The UGC stated that such fake universities are part of a long-standing issue in the education system, where unapproved institutions continue to exploit unaware students.
Students Urged to Verify Universities Before Admission
The UGC has advised students to verify the status of any university through the official UGC website before applying. The commission has also made available the complete lists of both recognized and fake universities online.
Students and parents are encouraged to avoid relying on advertisements, brochures, or verbal assurances, and instead confirm whether an institution is legally recognized. The UGC warned that failing to do so could lead to serious consequences, as degrees from fake universities carry no academic or professional value, putting a student’s future at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did UGC release a list of fake universities?
The UGC released this list to protect students and parents from being misled by unrecognized institutions that falsely claim to be legitimate universities.
Are degrees from these universities valid?
No. The UGC has clearly stated that degrees from these 22 institutions are invalid for both higher education and employment.
Which state has the highest number of fake universities?
Delhi has the highest number, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Puducherry.
How can students check if a university is recognized by UGC?
Students can visit the official UGC website (www.ugc.gov.in) to verify whether a university is recognized under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act.
What action does UGC take against fake universities?
The UGC issues public notices, informs state authorities, and initiates legal action against such institutions that mislead students.
What should a student do if enrolled in a fake university?
Students should immediately contact the UGC or state higher education authorities, withdraw from the unrecognized institution, and seek admission to a recognized university.
A Reminder for Students and Parents
The UGC’s latest announcement serves as an important reminder for students and parents to stay vigilant. Not every institute calling itself a “university” is legitimate. Students must ensure that the institution they choose is recognized under the UGC Act.
By exposing these fake universities, the UGC aims to safeguard students’ interests and maintain the credibility of India’s higher education system. Awareness and verification are essential steps to avoid being misled by unapproved institutions.
