New Delhi – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a list of 20 unrecognised institutions operating as ‘fake universities’ across India. The commission issued a public notice, warning students and parents against enrolling in these institutions. This action aims to protect students seeking legitimate higher education pathways.
Institutions operating without proper recognition from the UGC are considered fake. Degrees from these places are invalid for jobs, further education, or any official purpose. The UGC advises verifying a university’s status before applying for admissions.
Understanding Fake Universities
UGC defines ‘fake universities’ as institutions operating without proper recognition or accreditation. These self-styled entities do not meet statutory requirements under Indian law. They are not recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) or Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Furthermore, they lack approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or other official regulatory bodies. Consequently, they cannot award valid degrees, diplomas, or academic qualifications to enrolled students.
List of Unrecognised Institutions
The UGC notification identifies the following universities as fake, operating without proper recognition:
| State / UT | University Name |
|---|---|
| Delhi | All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University |
| Delhi | Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi |
| Delhi | United Nations University, Delhi |
| Delhi | Vocational University, Delhi |
| Delhi | ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008 |
| Delhi | Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi |
| Delhi | Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Rozgar Sewasadan, 672, Sanjay Enclave, Opp. GTK Depot, Delhi – 110033 |
| Delhi | Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), Rithala, Rohini, Delhi – 110085 |
| Delhi | World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura, New Delhi – 110034 |
| Delhi | Institute of Management and Engineering, 1810/4, 1st Floor, Kotla Mubarakpur |
| Uttar Pradesh | Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| Uttar Pradesh | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh |
| Uttar Pradesh | Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow – 227105 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Mahamaya Technical University, PO – Maharishi Nagar, Sector 110, Noida – 201304 |
| Andhra Pradesh | Christ New Testament Deemed University |
| Andhra Pradesh | Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam – 530016 |
| West Bengal | Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata |
| West Bengal | Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, 8-A, Diamond Harbour Road |
| Maharashtra | Raja Arabic University, Nagpur |
| Puducherry | Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry – 605009 |
| Karnataka | Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Gokak, Belgaum (Karnataka) |
| Kerala | St. John’s University, Kishanpattam, Kerala |
Guidelines for Students and Parents
To safeguard their academic future, students and parents must exercise caution during the admissions process. The UGC stresses the importance of due diligence for all prospective students. Before applying for admission to any university or institution, verify its recognition status. Official lists of recognised universities, deemed-to-be universities, and other approved institutions are available on the UGC’s official website.
Enrolling in unrecognised institutions risks receiving invalid degrees and wasting valuable time and resources. Students who encounter unlisted or suspicious institutions claiming university status should report them to the UGC.