Rising Threat of Fake Universities in India
In its latest update, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 fake universities operating illegally across India, issuing a stern warning to students and parents to exercise caution when choosing higher education institutions. This number has jumped significantly from approximately 20 fake institutions reported two years ago, marking a nearly 60% rise in fraudulent universities nationwide.
These fake institutions are not authorised under the UGC Act, 1956, and therefore do not have the legal authority to confer valid degrees or certifications. Degrees obtained from these universities are considered invalid for government jobs, recognised higher education, or professional opportunities.
Delhi Emerges as the Epicenter
The national capital Delhi leads the list, hosting 12 out of the 32 fake universities, making it the most affected region in the country. These entities often masquerade as legitimate institutions, operating from small rented offices in well-known localities such as Rohini, Pitampura, and Daryaganj, targeting students from across India.
Some of the high-profile names flagged in Delhi include:
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United Nations University
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Vocational University
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ADR-Centric Juridical University
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All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS)
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Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University)
(and several others operating without legal recognition).
State-Wise Breakdown Across India
The UGC list reveals that these fake universities are spread across 12 Indian states beyond Delhi:
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Uttar Pradesh – 4 fake institutions
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Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Puducherry – multiple entries
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Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan – at least one each
(States are based on the latest UGC update and compiled lists.)
This pattern highlights the growing reach of unauthorised educational setups and underscores the importance of verification before admission.
Why These Institutions Are Considered Fake
Under the UGC Act, 1956, only universities established by a Central or State legislative act are authorised to award degrees. These fake institutions lack such legal recognition and do not appear in the official UGC directory of recognised universities.
The UGC has specifically flagged misleading marketing tactics such as:
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“International Affiliations”
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“Open University” Titles
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Aggressive recruitment campaigns
These strategies are used to lure unsuspecting students into enrolling in invalid programmes.
UGC Verification Guide for Students
To avoid falling prey to fraudulent institutions, the UGC recommends:
- Checking the official UGC website recognition list for any university before enrolling
- Verifying professional approvals from bodies like AICTE, NCTE, PCI, etc.
- Avoiding institutions making unusually high promises such as guaranteed degrees with minimal study.
Students already enrolled in the flagged universities are urged to confirm the legal status of their programmes and consider transferring to recognised institutions if necessary.
