UGC identifies 32 fake universities across 12 states, issues fresh warning

India’s higher education regulator has reported a rise in fake universities across the country, identifying 32 such institutions operating in 12 states as of February 2026.

The University Grants Commission has warned that degrees issued by these entities are invalid for employment, higher education, or government services.

The number of fake universities has increased from 20 to 32 over the past two years, raising concerns about oversight and student protection. The UGC has urged students and parents to verify the recognition status of institutions before applying for admission.

The University Grants Commission (UGC), a statutory body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has identified 32 institutions operating as fake universities across India, warning that degrees issued by them are invalid for employment and higher education.

Delhi accounts for the highest number, with 12 such entities, followed by Uttar Pradesh and other states. Students have been urged to verify the recognition status of institutions before seeking admission.

The Commission said that these institutions do not hold recognition from either the Central Government or any State Government. Citing Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act, the notice emphasized that degrees issued by these entities have no legal validity.

Four additional states, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh, have been included in the latest list, with one fake university identified in each.

According to the UGC’s state-wise data, Delhi has 12 fake universities, the highest in the country. Uttar Pradesh has 4. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and West Bengal each have 2. Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan have 1 each.

State-Wise List

The UGC said these institutions mislead students by offering degrees without approval, putting their academic and career prospects at risk. It has directed prospective applicants to consult the official list of recognized universities on its website before enrolling.

Education experts note that fake universities often attract students by promising quick degrees, low fees, or flexible programs, while lacking proper infrastructure, qualified faculty, or academic standards.

In recent years, some have projected themselves as foreign universities or claimed international affiliations, making it harder for students to distinguish legitimate institutions from fraudulent ones.

Although the UGC regularly publishes and updates the list of fake universities to alert the public, concerns remain about enforcement and the continued operation of such institutions despite repeated warnings.

With admissions approaching, the commission has reiterated that awareness and verification are the strongest safeguards against fraudulent institutions targeting students across the country.