UGC Warns Against 22 Fake Universities Operating in India
UGC Issues Warning on Fake Universities
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a serious alert to both students and parents by publishing a list of 22 fraudulent universities that are functioning across India. These institutions lack official recognition and are not authorized to confer valid degrees. The majority of these fake universities are located in Delhi, followed by states such as Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Puducherry.
UGC's Measures Against Fraudulent Institutions
In a formal announcement, the UGC stated that according to the University Grants Commission Act of 1956, only institutions recognized under Sections 2(f) and 3 are legally allowed to issue degrees. The commission has determined that the institutions listed do not possess UGC approval nor are they recognized by any state or central government body.
Among the identified fraudulent entities is the Institute of Management and Engineering, located in Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi. The UGC has confirmed that this institute is unauthorized to operate as a university, and any degrees it issues are deemed invalid.
This situation raises significant concerns regarding how such deceptive educational institutions continue to attract students through misleading advertisements and false promises of accredited degrees.
Delhi Leads in Fake Universities
According to the UGC, Delhi has the highest number of fake universities, with a total of 10. These institutions mislead students by presenting themselves as legitimate universities. The UGC has urged prospective students to verify the recognition status of any university through its official website before applying for admission.
Below is the complete list of fake universities and institutes operating in Delhi:
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (A.I.I.P.H.S. State Government University)
- Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj
- United Nations University
- Vocational University
- ADR-Centric Juridical University, Rajendra Place
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi
- Spiritual University, Rohini
- Vishwakarma Open University for Self-Employment
- World Peace United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura
- Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur
Fake Universities in Other States
Uttar Pradesh:
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapeeth, Allahabad
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
- Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
Andhra Pradesh:
- Christ New Testament Deemed University
- Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
West Bengal:
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Diamond Harbour Road
Maharashtra:
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Puducherry:
- Shri Bodhi Academy of Higher Education
Advice for Students
The UGC has made it clear that degrees obtained from these unrecognized universities will not be valid for further studies, government employment, or any professional recognition. The commission has stressed that students should only enroll in UGC-approved institutions listed on its official website to avoid academic and financial setbacks.
In a statement, the UGC cautioned, “The public is hereby warned that these universities have been declared fake and are not authorized to confer any degrees. Students and parents must verify the UGC website before enrolling.”
Conclusion
The increasing number of fake universities poses a significant threat to India's higher education landscape. The UGC's updated list serves as an important reminder for students to stay vigilant, verify credentials, and avoid falling for unauthorized claims. Education experts recommend that stronger enforcement and public awareness are crucial to combat such fraudulent activities and protect the future of aspiring students.