In a major alert for students and parents across the country, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 institutions operating as fake universities, warning that degrees issued by them carry no legal validity for employment or further education. The regulatory body urged aspiring students to verify the recognition status of institutions before taking admission.
According to the latest notification, Delhi accounts for the highest number of fake universities — 12, followed by Uttar Pradesh and several other states. The Commission clarified that these entities lack recognition from both the Central and State governments and are not authorised to award degrees under the UGC Act.
No Legal Recognition, No Valid Degrees
UGC emphasised that these institutions do not fall under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act, which govern recognised universities in India. As a result, any degrees, diplomas, or certificates issued by them are invalid for government jobs, private employment, or higher education admissions.
Officials warned that many such organisations use misleading names, including terms like “international,” “national,” or “United Nations,” to appear legitimate and attract unsuspecting students.
Delhi and UP Among Worst-Affected
The state-wise breakdown shows that fake universities are spread across multiple regions, highlighting a nationwide issue rather than a localised problem.
State-wise count of fake universities (February 2026):
Delhi — 12
Uttar Pradesh — 4
Andhra Pradesh — 2
Karnataka — 2
Kerala — 2
Maharashtra — 2
Puducherry — 2
West Bengal — 2
Arunachal Pradesh — 1
Haryana — 1
Jharkhand — 1
Rajasthan — 1
Authorities said many of these entities operate without proper campuses, infrastructure, or academic approvals.
Students Urged to Verify Before Admission
UGC advised students to check the official list of recognised universities on its website before enrolling in any programme. Experts caution that falling prey to fake institutions can lead to loss of money, wasted academic years, and long-term career setbacks.
Education officials also urged state governments and enforcement agencies to take action against such institutions to prevent academic fraud.
Protecting Students From Academic Scams
The warning comes amid rising concerns over fraudulent educational setups exploiting demand for higher education and professional degrees. Regulators say stricter monitoring and public awareness are essential to curb the spread of fake universities.
For students, the message is clear: verify first, enroll later.
