ArdorComm Media News Network
August 7, 2026
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 institutions as fake universities in its latest list released in February 2026, the Ministry of Education informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The disclosure came in response to questions concerning misleading advertisements by EdTech platforms promoting 100% placement guarantees, lucrative job prospects, unauthorised institutional affiliations, fake universities, invalid degrees and unrecognised foreign collaborations.
Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar said the UGC has observed that several EdTech companies are advertising online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) degree and diploma programmes in collaboration with universities and institutions recognised by the commission.
He clarified that the UGC has issued a public notice stating that franchise arrangements for offering online or ODL programmes are not permitted. Degrees awarded through such unauthorised partnerships are not recognised by the UGC, and appropriate action will be taken against both defaulting EdTech firms and higher education institutions under existing laws and regulations.
The commission has advised students and other stakeholders to verify the recognition or entitlement status of any online or distance education programme through the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal before taking admission.
According to the ministry, whenever the UGC receives complaints about unauthorised institutions awarding degrees, it issues notices seeking explanations. If the response is found unsatisfactory, the institution is subsequently included in the commission’s list of fake universities.
To tackle such malpractice, the UGC established its Anti-Malpractice Cell (AMPC) on May 30, 1996, to address cases involving fake or unrecognised universities operating in violation of the UGC Act, 1956.
The regulator also issues warning and show-cause notices, regularly publishes state-wise lists of fake universities, and conducts awareness campaigns through its website and social media channels. It has further urged state governments and Union Territories to initiate action, including filing FIRs where necessary, against fake institutions operating within their jurisdictions.
The latest list includes fake institutions across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Puducherry. Students have been urged to verify the authenticity and recognition status of higher education institutions through the official UGC website before seeking admission.
Source: Indian Express