The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a stern warning to students and parents across India after identifying 22 fake universities that were operating without proper recognition. According to the UGC, these institutions have been functioning illegally and are not authorised to confer degrees under the provisions of the UGC Act, 1956.
In its official notice, the UGC clarified that any degree or qualification obtained from these fake institutions is invalid and holds no value for academic or professional purposes.
UGC Regulations on Degree-Granting Rights
As per the UGC Act, “The right of conferring or granting degrees shall be exercised only by a university incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act, or a State Act, or an institution deemed to be a university under Section 3, or an institution specially empowered by an Act of Parliament to confer or grant degrees.”
This means that only recognized universities or deemed universities under UGC regulations have the authority to award valid degrees. Any organization operating outside these provisions is considered fake and illegal.
Fake Universities Identified by UGC
The UGC’s latest list includes 22 unrecognized universities spread across various states. These institutions were found to be running degree programs without UGC approval or affiliation. The Commission has also directed state governments and higher education departments to take appropriate action against them.
Recently, UGC specifically mentioned two fraudulent institutions that were misleading students:
- Institute of Management and Training, Delhi – The UGC clarified that this so-called institute is not authorized to confer any degree.
- International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine, Kerala (Calicut) – The UGC stated that this university is neither recognized nor empowered to award degrees as per existing UGC regulations.
Additionally, in July 2025, the Commission issued an alert warning students and parents not to fall for advertisements offering fake degrees in the name of the “University of Colombo.” The UGC confirmed that the said university is not authorized to offer undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), or doctoral degree programs in India.
Students Advised to Verify UGC Recognition
The UGC has urged students and parents to verify the recognition status of any institution before applying for admission. The list of fake universities and recognized higher education institutions is available on the official UGC website — ugc.gov.in.
The Commission also emphasized that students graduating from fake institutions are not eligible for government jobs, higher studies, or professional recognition.
UGC’s Efforts to Curb Fake Universities
The University Grants Commission has been actively monitoring fraudulent institutions across India. Periodic lists of fake universities are released to safeguard students from academic fraud and to maintain the integrity of India’s higher education system.
UGC Chairperson Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar has reiterated that stringent action will be taken against institutions violating UGC norms. He also encouraged the public to report any suspicious educational organizations to the Commission.
The UGC’s declaration of 22 fake universities serves as a crucial reminder for students to check accreditation and UGC approval before enrolling in any college or university. As the apex regulatory body for higher education in India, the UGC continues to play a vital role in ensuring that students receive legitimate, recognized, and high-quality education, for more details and check list CLICK HERE
