The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared 32 institutions across India as fake universities. These entities operate without recognition from the Central or State Governments. Degrees issued by them hold no legal validity for employment or higher education.
Delhi accounts for the highest number, with 12 such institutions. Uttar Pradesh follows with four. Several other states report smaller numbers. The announcement raises serious concerns about student safety, regulatory enforcement, and academic fraud.
This article explains the legal basis of the action, the state-wise list, and what students must do next.
What Makes a University “Fake”?
Under the UGC Act 1956, only institutions recognized under Section 2(f) or declared under Section 3 can award degrees legally.
A “fake university” is an institution that:
• Grants degrees without statutory recognition
• Operates without approval from the UGC or a State Legislature
• Misleads students using deceptive names
Such institutions often imitate well-known universities. However, they lack the authority to confer valid degrees.
Why the UGC Issued This Warning
The UGC functions under the Ministry of Education to regulate higher education standards. Periodic investigations reveal institutions operating outside legal frameworks.
This time, the Commission formally warned students that degrees from these entities will not qualify for:
• Government jobs
• Competitive examinations
• Higher education admissions
• Professional licensing
Therefore, the advisory protects students from financial loss and academic damage.
State-Wise Breakdown of Fake Universities (February 2026)
Delhi – 12 Institutions
Delhi records the highest number.
Institutions include:
• World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU)
• Institute of Management and Engineering
• All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences
• Commercial University Ltd.
• United Nations University
• Vocational University
• ADR-Centric Juridical University
• Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
• Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment
• Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya
• National Institute of Management Solution
• Mountain Institute of Management & Technology
Delhi’s concentration reflects both high student demand and regulatory misuse of the “university” label.
Uttar Pradesh – 4 Institutions
• Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayagraj
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
• Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
• Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
Uttar Pradesh has historically reported repeated instances of unauthorized educational bodies.
Andhra Pradesh – 2
• Christ New Testament Deemed University, Guntur
• Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
Karnataka – 2
• Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, Tumkur
• Global Human Peace University, Bengaluru
Kerala – 2
• International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine, Kozhikode
• St John’s University
Maharashtra – 2
• Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
• National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth, Solapur
Puducherry – 2
• Usha Latchumanan College of Education
• Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education
West Bengal – 2
• Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
• Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Kolkata
Single Institutions Identified
• Arunachal Pradesh – Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine
• Haryana – Magic & Art University, Faridabad
• Jharkhand – Daksha University, Ranchi
• Rajasthan – Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, Bhiwadi
Legal Consequences
These institutions cannot legally award degrees.
Students who graduate from them face serious consequences:
• Employers may reject credentials
• Regulatory bodies may disqualify candidates
• Courts may refuse recognition of qualifications
Moreover, operating a fake university can attract criminal and civil penalties under Indian law.
Why Delhi Tops the List
Delhi hosts thousands of coaching centers, private colleges, and distance-learning institutes. This high-density education market creates opportunity for fraudulent operations.
Additionally, the use of global-sounding names like “United Nations University” misleads students. Many families assume legitimacy without verification.
Therefore, awareness becomes critical.
How Students Can Verify a University
Before admission, students must:
- Check the official UGC website for recognition status.
- Confirm inclusion under Section 2(f) or Section 3 of the UGC Act.
- Verify state legislation if the institution claims to be a state university.
- Avoid institutions that promise instant degrees or unusually fast programs.
Verification takes minutes. However, it can save years of damage.
Broader Impact on Higher Education
This development highlights three systemic concerns:
First, regulatory monitoring still struggles to prevent fraudulent entities from operating openly.
Second, students from rural and low-income backgrounds remain vulnerable to misleading advertisements.
Third, online and distance-learning models create grey zones where verification becomes harder.
Therefore, regulatory bodies must strengthen digital monitoring and public awareness campaigns.
What This Means for Students and Parents
Education remains a high-cost investment. A fake degree destroys both time and money.
Students must treat admission decisions as legal transactions. Documentation matters. Recognition matters more.
Parents should verify independently instead of relying solely on brochures or social media promotions.
Conclusion
The University Grants Commission has issued a clear warning: 32 institutions across India operate without legal authority to grant degrees. Delhi leads with 12 cases.
This is not just a regulatory update. It is a public safeguard.
Students must verify before enrolling. Institutions must comply with statutory norms. Regulators must enforce consistently.
Ultimately, education works only when credibility remains intact.
