The University Grants Commission (UGC), in its latest update, has released a list of 22 fake or unrecognized universities operating across the country. The list includes institutions that are not legally authorized to grant degrees. In response to this, the commission has issued a strong warning, stating that any degrees obtained from these bodies will not be valid for higher education or employment purposes under the UGC Act, 1956.
This year, one of the most striking things is that Delhi is at the top of the list with 10 fake universities, which is the highest number among all the states and union territories. The ever-increasing cluster of such non-acknowledged establishments in the capital city of the country, therefore, imparts a feeling of deep concern about the security of students who are in search of cheap or quick higher education ways.
What Makes a University Fake and Illegitimate?
Under the UGC Act, only institutions established under a Central, State, or Provincial Act, or those specifically recognized under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the Act, are authorized to award degrees. Universities that operate without such approval are considered fake. In most cases, these establishments utilize deceptive titles, seem to be professionally structured, and employ very persuasive marketing tactics to attract students to their programs.
One of the direct consequences highlighted by the UGC is that some of these organizations misleadingly propose engineering, management, or alternative medicine degree courses, which are areas that need formal accreditation. Students who take admission in such institutions will be the ones to suffer the loss of their time, money, and career.
UGC Fake Universities List by States (October 2025)
The UGC list of fake universities shows that these universities are geographically dispersed across different regions of India.
State / UT | Number of Fake Universities | Institutions Declared Illegitimate |
Delhi | 10 | 1. All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences 2. Commercial University Ltd. 3. United Nations University 4. Vocational University 5. ADR-Centric Juridical University 6. Indian Institute of Science & Engineering 7. Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment 8. Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya 9. World Peace of United Nations University 10. Institute of Management and Engineering |
Uttar Pradesh | 4 | 1. Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith (Prayag) 2. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh 3. Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad (Lucknow) 4. Mahamaya Technical University (Noida) |
Andhra Pradesh | 2 | 1. Christ New Testament Deemed University 2. Bible Open University of India (Visakhapatnam) |
West Bengal | 2 | 1. Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine (Kolkata) 2. Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research (Diamond Harbour Road) |
Maharashtra | 1 | 1. Raja Arabic University (Nagpur) |
Kerala | 2 | 1. International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (Kozhikode) 2. St. John’s University (Kishanattam) |
Puducherry | 1 | 1. Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education (Thilaspet) |
Consequently, these organizations are able to fly under the radar for a long time; thus, they manage to trick hundreds of students who have no idea about their existence.
What Students and Parents Should Do
The UGC has advised students to stay vigilant while selecting their universities. Here are some essential precautions to take before enrolling:
Confirm Recognition: It is always good to confirm the recognition status of a university by checking its status on the official UGC website under "Recognized Universities" and "Fake Universities".
Request for Paperwork: A genuine institution has to provide clear evidence that it was established under a Central or State Act. Additionally, if it is the case, it has to provide the UGC recognition letters.
Beware of Unrealistic Promises: Avoid universities that claim to offer quick degrees, extremely low fees, or guaranteed jobs.
Consult Trusted Sources: Seek guidance from teachers, alumni, or local education departments before applying.
Report Suspicious Activity: Students should report any unrecognized or fraudulent universities directly to UGC through its online grievance portal.
Students are required to spend time checking the recognition status of a certain institution before they can be admitted. Employers, as well should be doubly sure of the genuineness of the degrees that the candidates hold when they are recruiting. It is only by such shared consciousness and watchfulness that India can protect her students from fake educational institutions.
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