The University Grants Commission (UGC) India’s reputed government body for higher education was established in 1956 to determine, coordinate and maintain standards of higher education in the country. It provides funding to colleges and advises both the central and state government on the measures that are necessary for the development of higher education across the country. In a recent news, the UGC has issued a public notice naming 22 fake universities across India that were running without any legal framework and offering degrees that are invalid under the UGC Act, 1956.
One of the most recent examples was of the Institute Of Management and Engineering located in Kota Mubarakpur, Delhi. The UGC stated that the institute was neither established under any central or state government act nor was it recognised under section 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act. The commission went on to further state that the engineering degrees were not valid for academic purposes. New Delhi currently tops the list with the highest number of fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh, highlighting a serious concern for students seeking legitimate higher education opportunities.
| Sr. No | Names of Fake Universities | City |
| 1 | Christ New Testament Deemed University | Andhra Pradesh |
| 2 | Bible Open University Of India | Andhra Pradesh |
| 3 | All India Institute Of Public and Health Sciences, State Government University | New Delhi |
| 4 | Commercial University Ltd | New Delhi |
| 5 | United Nations University | New Delhi |
| 6 | Vocational University | New Delhi |
| 7 | ADR-Centric Juridical University (ADR House) | New Delhi |
| 8 | Indian Institute Of Science and Engineering | New Delhi |
| 9 | Viswakarma Open University For Self-employment | New Delhi |
| 10 | Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University) | New Delhi |
| 11 | World Peace Of United Nations University | New Delhi |
| 12 | Institute of Management and Engineering | New Delhi |
| 13 | International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM) | Kerala |
| 14 | St. John’s University | Kerala |
| 15 | Raja Arabic University | Maharashtra |
| 16 | Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education | Puducherry |
| 17 | Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag | Uttar Pradesh |
| 18 | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University) | Uttar Pradesh |
| 19 | Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad | Uttar Pradesh |
| 20 | Mahamaya Technical University, PO | Uttar Pradesh |
| 21 | Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine | West Bengal |
| 22 | Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research | West Bengal |
How Students Can Spot Fake Universities?
With fake universities operating under misleading names and claims, students need to be extra cautious before enrolling. Here are some essential steps to help identify genuine institutions:
1. Check Recognition on the UGC Website
Before applying to institutions do thorough research of it, verify whether the institution is listed as a recognised university under Section 2(f) or Section 3 of the UGC Act on the official UGC website.
2. Look for Legal Establishment
Only universities established under a Central Act, State Act, or those granted “Deemed-to-be University” status by the UGC are legally authorised to award degrees.
3. Verify Professional Course Approvals
For professional programmes, students should ensure that the institution has approval from the respective regulatory bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for technical and management courses, the National Medical Commission (NMC) for medical education, and the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for pharmacy programmes.
4. Beware of Misleading Names
Fake universities often use official-sounding titles like “National,” “Open,” “Deemed,” or “International” to appear legitimate. Always double-check such names.
5. Be Cautious of Unrealistic Promises
Be cautious of institutions that promise quick degrees, unusually low fees, or guaranteed placements as genuine universities rarely make such claims. Always visit the campus in person to verify its legitimacy and avoid relying solely on online portals or agents making such assurances.
6. Cross-Verify Certificates and Degrees
Authentic universities issue verifiable certificates with seals, QR codes, or registration numbers. Always verify their authenticity through official channels like DigiLocker.
Thus to conclude and be safe it is important to note that enrolling in an unrecognised university can result in invalid degrees that are not accepted for higher studies or government jobs, leading to a significant loss of time, money, and opportunities. It may also cause legal complications or rejection during foreign university admissions.
The UGC has therefore urged students and parents to stay vigilant, verify institutional credentials, and report any suspicious universities. Its recent action against 22 fake institutions serves as a crucial reminder that thorough research and verification before admission can protect students’ futures and ensure their education holds true value.
