UGC identifies 32 fake universities, Delhi tops list; what about Odisha?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has flagged 32 fake universities functioning across 12 states, triggering renewed concerns over student protection and the integrity of India’s higher education system. According to the latest figures, the number of such unauthorised institutions has risen from 20 to 32 in the past two years, reflecting a troubling expansion.

The higher education regulator has cautioned students and parents against enrolling in these entities, which are not recognised under the UGC Act and lack the legal authority to award valid degrees.

Sharp Rise in Unauthorised Institutions

Among the newly added states reporting fake universities are Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh, with one institution identified in each. The UGC has also issued a specific warning about an entity operating in Bengaluru under the name Global Human Peace University, clarifying that it is not authorised to function as a university.

Delhi accounts for the highest number, with 12 such institutions identified in the national capital. Several of them operate under misleading names that resemble legitimate academic bodies. In some cases, these institutions are reportedly located near regulatory offices, raising concerns about enforcement and oversight.

Other states where fake universities have been detected include Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal feature multiple entries on the list, including institutions such as Gandhi Hindi Vidyapeeth in Prayag and the Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine. Magic and Art University in Faridabad, Haryana, and Daksha University in Ranchi, Jharkhand, have also been flagged.

However, there is no mention of any fake university operating in Odisha by the commission.

Students Urged to Verify Credentials

The UGC stated that these institutions mislead students by offering degrees without statutory approval, jeopardising their academic qualifications and future career prospects. It has advised aspirants to verify the recognition status of universities through the official UGC website before seeking admission.

Education experts note that fake universities often lure students with promises of quick degrees, minimal fees, and flexible learning options. Many operate without adequate infrastructure, qualified faculty, or established academic standards. In recent years, some have also claimed foreign affiliations or international recognition, making it increasingly difficult for students to distinguish legitimate institutions from fraudulent ones.

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Although the UGC periodically publishes and updates its list of fake universities to raise awareness, concerns persist over their continued operations despite repeated public notices.

With the admission season approaching, the commission has reiterated its advisory, warning that degrees issued by such institutions are invalid for employment, higher education or government services.