The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released a list of 20 universities spread across different parts of the country, identifying them as fake institutions. These universities are not authorized to confer degrees and have been found to be in violation of the provisions of the UGC act.
As a result of their illegitimate status, any degree awarded by these fake universities will not be recognized or considered valid for higher education or employment purposes. The UGC has issued a warning to students, parents, and the general public, alerting them to the fact that degrees can only be awarded by universities and institutions established under State Acts, Central Acts, Provincial Acts, or institutions empowered to grant degrees in accordance with the UGC Act of 1956.
Delhi, the national capital, has the highest number of such fake universities, with a total of eight institutions falling under this category. The list also includes five universities from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, and one each from Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Puducherry.
Among the fake universities in Delhi are All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences, Commercial University Ltd in Daryaganj, United Nations University, Vocational University, ADR-Centric Juridical University, Indian Institution of Science and Engineering, Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, and Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University).
In Uttar Pradesh, the fake universities listed are Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), and Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad.
Andhra Pradesh has Christ New Testament Deemed University and Bible Open University of India on the list, while West Bengal has Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine and Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research.
Other states with fake universities are Karnataka with Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Kerala with St. John’s University, Maharashtra with Raja Arabic University, and Puducherry with Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education.
Students and parents are advised to check the accreditation status of universities before enrolling to avoid potential issues. The UGC has found that these universities are violating the UGC Act by granting degrees without authority, and any degrees obtained from them will not be recognized for further education or job opportunities.
Delhi
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University, Office Kh. No. 608-609, 1st Floor, Sant Kripal Singh Public Trust Building, Near BDO Office, Alipur, Delhi-110036
- 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 – 110 008
- 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), 351-352, Phase-I, Block-A, Vijay Vihar, Rithala, Rohini, Delhi-110085
Uttar Pradesh
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 227 105
Andhra Pradesh
- Christ New Testament Deemed University, #32-32-2003, 7th Lane, Kakumanuvarithoto, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002 and another address of Christ New Testament Deemed University, Fit No. 301, Grace Villa Apts., 7/5, Srinagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002
- Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530016
Karnataka
- Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Gokak, Belgaum, Karnataka
Kerala
- John’s University, Kishanattam, Kerala
Maharashtra
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Puducherry
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry-605009
West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, 8-A, Diamond Harbour Road, Builtech inn, 2nd Floor, Thakurpurkur, Kolkata – 700063
It is crucial for students and parents to be aware of these fake universities to avoid falling prey to fraudulent degree programs. Pursuing education from unauthorized institutions can lead to wasted time, money, and efforts, and may jeopardize future career prospects. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly research and verify the legitimacy of any educational institution before enrolling for any courses or degrees.
