UGC Releases Advisory on Counterfeit Online Courses: Here's What Students Should Know

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a warning notice to students intending to pursue online courses, urging them to remain vigilant against fraudulent degree programs. The notice highlights the proliferation of fake institutions offering degrees with misleading abbreviations, potentially damaging students' careers.
 

1. Rising Trend of Online Courses: With the increasing popularity of online education, students have a plethora of options to choose from, including degree programs.
2. Risk of Fraud: The UGC cautions students about the prevalence of fraudulent organizations offering fake degrees, posing a risk to students' academic and professional pursuits.
3. Warning Notice: The UGC has issued a public notice alerting students to the existence of fake online programs with deceptive abbreviations resembling recognized degree programs.
4. Approval Process: Genuine degree programs undergo a formal approval process by the UGC and the central government, including specifications regarding nomenclature, duration, and entry qualifications.
5. Verification Process: Students are advised to verify the legitimacy of online programs by checking the official list of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) authorized by the UGC. This information is available on the UGC's website.
6. Awareness Campaign: The notice has been shared on social media platforms, including Twitter, to raise awareness among students about the risks associated with fraudulent online programs.