The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday announced that it has identified and declared 20 universities across India as "fake." These institutions are not authorized to grant any degrees to students. Among these universities, the highest number (eight) is located in Delhi.
The UGC's move aims to protect students from falling into the trap of pursuing education from unaccredited and fraudulent institutions. It is important for students and their parents to verify the accreditation status of universities before enrolling.
"It has come to the notice of the UGC that a number of institutions are offering degrees in contrary to the provisions of the UGC Act. Degrees awarded by such universities shall neither be recognised nor valid for higher education or employment purpose. These universities are not empowered to confer any degree," a statement by UGC secretary Manish Joshi read.
List of fake universities released by the UGC
| 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 Vocational University, Delhi ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, Delhi Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Rozgar Sewasadan, 672, Sanjay Enclave, Opp. GTK Depot Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), 351-352, Phase-I, Block-A, Vijay Vihar, Rithala, Rohini |
| Uttar Pradesh | Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy, Kanpur Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow |
| West Bengal | Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Diamond Harbour Road, Builtech inn, Thakurpurkur |
| 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 Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam |
| Karnataka | Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Gokak, Belgaum |
| Kerala | St. John’s University, Kishanattam |
| Maharashtra | Raja Arabic University, Nagpur |
| Puducherry | Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road |
Last year, the UGC released a list of 21 universities that it identified as “fake.” Several of the universities have found their place on the list this year as well. According to the UGC, universities are authorized to grant degrees only if they are established under a Central, State/Provincial Act, or if they are recognized as deemed-to-be universities. Additionally, institutions specifically empowered by an Act of Parliament also have the privilege to confer degrees to students. This ensures that degree-granting institutions have the necessary legal backing and authorization to maintain academic standards and offer legitimate qualifications to their students.