UGC Declares 22 Fake Universities Across India: Full State-Wise List and Key Details You Must Know
UGC Warns Students Against Enrolling in Fake Universities
In a crucial move to safeguard the interests of students and maintain academic integrity, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially released an updated list of 22 fake universities operating across India. These institutions have been found to be functioning without UGC recognition and falsely claiming university status, making all degrees issued by them invalid for academic or professional purposes.
The UGC has strongly cautioned students and parents to verify the authenticity of universities before taking admission and reminded that only institutions established under Central, State, or Provincial Acts, or those empowered under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, can confer valid degrees.
Degrees from These Institutions Hold No Value
According to the UGC, the fake universities on the list are not authorised to confer degrees, and any qualifications obtained from them are not recognised for employment or higher education.
The Commission reiterated that these universities are in violation of the UGC Act, 1956, which clearly defines the parameters for granting university status. The latest case involves the Institute of Management and Engineering, located in Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi. The UGC clarified that this institute is neither established under any government act nor recognised under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the Act, rendering its degrees academically and professionally invalid.
Delhi Tops the List of Fake Universities
As per the UGC notification issued in October 2025, Delhi leads the list with the highest number of fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh. The Commission’s action highlights the growing concern over unrecognised institutions misleading students in the name of higher education.
For transparency and public awareness, UGC has shared a state-wise list of fake universities currently operating without approval.
Fake Universities in Delhi
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University
- Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi
- United Nations University, Delhi
- Vocational University, Delhi
- ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi
- Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Rozgar Sewasadan, 672, Sanjay Enclave, Opp. GTK Depot, Delhi – 110033
- Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), Rithala, Rohini, Delhi – 110085
- World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura, New Delhi – 110034
- Institute of Management and Engineering, 1810/4, 1st Floor, Kotla Mubarakpur
Fake Universities in Uttar Pradesh
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow – 227105
- Mahamaya Technical University, PO – Maharishi Nagar, Sector 110, Noida – 201304
Fake Universities in Andhra Pradesh
- Christ New Testament Deemed University
- Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam – 530016
Fake Universities in West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, 8-A, Diamond Harbour Road, Kolkata
Fake Universities in Maharashtra
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Fake University in Puducherry
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry – 605009
Earlier Notified Fake Universities in Karnataka and Kerala
In addition to the newly released list, the UGC had earlier declared two institutions as fake in its March 2022 notification. These universities continue to appear on the updated list for 2025:
- Karnataka: Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Gokak, Belgaum
- Kerala: St. John’s University, Kishanpattam
The Commission has advised students to stay vigilant and avoid enrolling in any institution not listed among officially recognised universities.
UGC Urges Students to Verify University Status Before Admission
The UGC emphasised the importance of verification before admission, noting that fraudulent institutions often use names or structures resembling reputed universities to mislead students.
Students can check the recognition status of any university on the official UGC website (www.ugc.ac.in), which maintains an updated list of legitimate universities, including Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities approved under the UGC Act.
The Commission stated,
“Students must ensure that the university they are applying to is established under a Central or State Act or is a deemed-to-be university under Section 3 of the UGC Act. Degrees obtained from unrecognised institutions are not valid for academic or professional use.”
Legitimate Distance and Online Education Providers
In contrast to the fake universities identified, the UGC has also approved a total of 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programmes for the academic year 2025–26, beginning in July–August.
This approval aims to promote quality distance education while maintaining strict regulatory standards to prevent fraudulent or low-quality institutions from exploiting students.
UGC’s Continued Efforts to Uphold Academic Standards
The UGC’s latest list underscores its ongoing efforts to eliminate unrecognised institutions and protect the interests of students nationwide. By publishing regular notifications, the Commission aims to enhance transparency and accountability within India’s higher education system.
With the rise of private and online institutions, the UGC continues to monitor educational providers closely to ensure they meet required standards and operate within the legal framework.
Students are advised to regularly check the UGC portal for updates on approved universities, courses, and ODL providers to make informed academic decisions.
Final Note
The University Grants Commission’s 2025 list of fake universities serves as a critical reminder for students to prioritise due diligence and verification before enrolling in any academic institution.
As the number of unrecognised entities continues to rise, awareness remains the first line of defense. Choosing UGC-recognised institutions ensures not only the validity of degrees but also access to credible academic standards and future opportunities.
