UGC Flags 32 Fake Universities Across India; Delhi Tops List

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has updated its list, identifying 32 fake universities nationwide and warning students that their degrees are invalid. Delhi leads the list with 12 such institutions, followed by Uttar Pradesh with four. Other states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and West Bengal each have two, while Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan have one. The UGC emphasized that these universities lack proper government recognition, rendering their degrees void for employment or higher education, as per the UGC Act.

The University Grants Commission (UGC), a statutory body operating under the Ministry of Education, has issued a critical warning by updating its list of fake universities across India. The Commission has identified 32 institutions that are operating without due recognition from either the Central or any State Government. Students and parents are strongly advised to avoid these universities, as any degrees issued by them will be deemed invalid for the purpose of employment or pursuing higher education. The updated list, which notably includes a mention of being issued in 2026, highlights Delhi as having the highest number of fake universities, totaling 12. Uttar Pradesh follows with four such institutions. Other regions also feature on the list: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and West Bengal each have two fake universities. Additionally, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan each contain one non-recognized institution. The UGC's notice explicitly cites Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act, reinforcing that these entities lack the legal authority to award valid degrees, thereby emphasizing the importance of institutional accreditation for prospective students.