The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released a list of 22 universities operating illegally in India. These institutions claim to be legitimate universities and offer admissions to students, but they function outside the norms established by the UGC. Any degree obtained from these universities is considered invalid, and students are strongly advised to verify an institution’s recognition before enrolling.
The UGC has also raised concerns over an unrecognized institution presenting itself as a valid engineering college, highlighting the growing problem of fraudulent higher education providers in the country. Among all states, Delhi has the highest number of fake universities, with a total of 10. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh with 4, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and West Bengal with 2 each, and Maharashtra and Puducherry with 1 each.
State-Wise List of Fake Universities
Andhra Pradesh:
●Christ New Testament Deemed University, Guntur
●Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
Delhi:
●All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS)
●Commercial University Ltd.
●United Nations University
●Vocational University
●ADR-Centric Juridical University
●Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
●Vishwakarma Open University for Self Employment
●Spiritual University
●World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU)
●Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur
Kerala:
●International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kozhikode
●St. John’s University, Kishanattam
Maharashtra:
●Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Puducherry:
●Sri Bodhi Academy of Higher Education
Uttar Pradesh:
●Gandhi Hindi Vidyapeeth, Allahabad
●Netaji Subhas 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, Kolkata
UGC’s Warning to Students
The UGC has specifically warned students against enrolling in the Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi, as it runs unauthorized degree programs in violation of Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956. The regulator clarified that this institution is not established under any Central or State Act and is not recognized under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act.
Students are urged to always check an institution’s status on the official UGC website before admission. Enrolling in unrecognized institutions can lead to invalid degrees, affecting employment opportunities and higher education prospects. Parents and students are encouraged to remain cautious and rely only on verified and legally recognized universities.
