Choosing the right university can shape your entire career. But what if the degree you work hard for turns out to be worthless? The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 22 institutions across India that are operating as fake universities. These institutions have no legal recognition and their degrees hold no value.
The UGC issued this warning to protect students from wasting their time, money, and future on institutions that cannot offer valid qualifications. These fake universities operate without proper recognition under the UGC Act, 1956, which means any degree they issue is invalid for both academic and professional purposes.
The Recent Case That Sparked Attention
The Institute of Management and Engineering in Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi, recently came under scrutiny. The UGC clarified that this institute has no recognition under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act. It is neither established under any Central or State Act. The engineering degrees it offers cannot be used for further studies or employment.
This case highlights how some institutions mislead students by presenting themselves as legitimate universities when they are not.
Delhi Tops the List
Delhi has the highest number of fake universities on the UGC list, with 10 institutions. These include names that sound impressive and official, which makes them particularly dangerous for unsuspecting students.
The fake universities in Delhi are:
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University
- Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj
- United Nations University
- Vocational University
- ADR-Centric Juridical University, Rajendra Place
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
- Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Sanjay Enclave
- Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), Rohini
- World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura
- Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur
Uttar Pradesh Follows Close Behind
Uttar Pradesh has four fake universities on the list. Students in cities like Lucknow, Allahabad, and Noida need to be careful.
The fake universities in Uttar Pradesh are:
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
- Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
Other States With Fake Universities
The problem is not limited to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Other states also have institutions on the UGC warning list.
Andhra Pradesh has two fake universities:
- Christ New Testament Deemed University
- Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
West Bengal has two institutions in Kolkata:
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Diamond Harbour Road
Maharashtra has one fake university:
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Puducherry has one institution:
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Vazhuthavoor Road
Karnataka has one fake university:
- Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Belgaum
Kerala has one institution:
- St. John's University, Kishanpattam
How These Fake Universities Operate
These institutions often use official sounding names. Some include terms like "University," "Institute," or "Academy" to appear legitimate. They may have websites, admission processes, and even physical locations. This makes it hard for students and parents to spot the fraud.
Many of these fake universities offer courses in popular fields like engineering, management, medicine, and alternative medicine. They charge fees just like real institutions. Students attend classes, complete assignments, and receive degrees. But none of it has any legal value.
The problem becomes clear only when students try to use their degrees for higher education or jobs. Employers and genuine universities reject these qualifications because they come from unrecognized institutions.
What You Should Do Before Taking Admission
The UGC urges all students to verify the recognition status of any university before seeking admission. This simple step can save years of effort and money.
You can check if a university is recognized by visiting the UGC website. The Commission maintains a list of all recognized universities in India. If the institution you are considering is not on that list, do not take admission there.
Also look for recognition under specific sections of the UGC Act. Legitimate universities must be established under a Central or State Act and recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act. They should also have approval under Section 3 to award degrees.
If you plan to pursue distance learning, check the UGC's list of approved institutions for open and distance learning (ODL) programmes. For the academic year 2025-26, the UGC has approved 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions to offer ODL programmes. Make sure your chosen institution is on this list.
Why This Matters
A degree is more than just a piece of paper. It represents years of hard work and opens doors to career opportunities. When that degree comes from a fake university, all that effort goes to waste.
Students who graduate from these institutions face rejection when they apply for jobs or higher studies. They may need to start their education again from scratch at a recognized institution. This means losing both time and money.
Some students only discover the problem years after graduation. By then, they may have already missed opportunities or made career decisions based on a worthless qualification.
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
The UGC regularly updates its list of fake universities. Stay informed by checking the official UGC website before making any decisions about your education.
If you come across an institution that seems suspicious, report it to the UGC. This helps protect other students from falling into the same trap.
Your education is an investment in your future. Make sure you invest it in an institution that can deliver real value. Always verify, always check, and always choose recognized universities for your higher education.
