The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared 22 institutions across India as fake. These institutions operate without proper recognition, making any degrees or qualifications they confer invalid. Students and parents are warned against enrolling in these colleges.
Under UGC regulations, only universities established by central, provincial, or state acts, or institutions deemed universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, can grant degrees. Institutions specifically empowered by an Act of Parliament also hold this authority. The 22 listed entities do not meet these criteria.
A degree from an unrecognised institution holds no value for higher education or employment purposes. Such qualifications are not accepted by employers or other universities for further studies. This can lead to wasted time, effort, and financial resources for students.
The UGC regularly monitors educational institutions to prevent fraudulent operations. The commission previously issued warnings regarding specific fake entities. This included the Institute of Management and Training in Delhi and the International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine in Calicut, Kerala. Both were operating without authorization to award degrees.
Earlier, the UGC also alerted the public about fake advertisements for degrees from a non-existent ‘University of Colombo.’ This entity falsely offered undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses. Such warnings highlight the importance of verifying an institution’s legitimacy before admission.
List of Fake Institutions by State
Delhi accounts for the highest number of fake institutions on the UGC’s list, with ten such entities. Maharashtra and Puducherry each have one.
| State | Institution Name and Address |
|---|---|
| Delhi |
All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University, Office Kh. No. 608-609, 1st Floor, Sant Kripal Singh Public Trust Building, Near BDO Office, Alipur, Delhi-110036 Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi. United Nations University, Delhi Vocational University, Delhi ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110 008 Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Rozgar Sewasadan, 672, Sanjay Enclave, Opp. GTK Depot, Delhi-110033 Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), 351-352, Phase-I, Block-A, Vijay Vihar, Rithala, Rohini, Delhi-110085 World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), No.-201, 2st Floor, Best Business Park, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, New Delhi-110034 Institute of Management and Engineering, 1810/4, Ist Floor, Kotla Mubarakpur |
| Andhra Pradesh |
Christ New Testament Deemed University, #32-32-2003, 7th Lane, Kakumanuvarithoto, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002 and another address of Christ New Testament Deemed University, Fit No. 301, Grace Villa Apts., 7/5, Srinagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002 Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530016 |
| Kerala |
Institute of Management and Engineering, 1810/4, Ist Floor, Kotla Mubarakpur St. John’s University, Kishanattam, Kerala |
| Maharashtra |
Raja Arabic University, Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| Puducherry |
Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry-605009 |
| Uttar Pradesh |
Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 227 105 Mahamaya Technical University, PO – Maharishi Nagar , Distt. Gb Nagar , Opp. Sec 110 , Sector 110 , Noida – 201304 |
| West Bengal |
Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkatta Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research,8-A, Diamond Harbour Road, Builtech inn, 2nd Floor, Thakurpurkur, Kolkatta – 700063 |
Protecting Your Educational Future
Students should exercise caution when selecting an educational institution. Always verify an institution’s recognition status directly on the official UGC website . This step prevents enrollment in programs that offer invalid degrees.
Before committing to any course or paying fees, students must check the official list of recognized universities and colleges. Cross-referencing institution details with the UGC’s published data ensures legitimacy. The UGC remains committed to safeguarding students’ academic interests against fraudulent operations.
Families investing in education must prioritize official recognition. A quick check can save years of academic and professional disappointment. The UGC encourages reporting of any suspicious institutions.