New Delhi, October 27, 2025 (6:04 PM IST) — The UGC has revealed that 22 institutions across India are operating as “universities” without legal recognition. These unauthorized entities are granting degrees and diplomas, misleading students and families.
The commission reported that the largest number of such fake institutions are located in Delhi. In several cases, the institutions pose as legitimate engineering or higher-education colleges despite lacking accreditation.
According to the UGC, these institutions claim to be universities and admit students, but do so in direct violation of the UGC Act. Any degree awarded by these sites is invalid.
State-wise Breakdown
- Delhi: The highest count with 10 institutions designated as fake. These include:
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) – State Government University, Alipur, Delhi
- Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi
- United Nations University, Delhi
- Vocational University, Delhi
- ADR-Centric Juridical University, Rajendra Place, Delhi
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi
- Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Sanjay Enclave, Delhi
- Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), Rohini, Delhi
- World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura, Delhi
- Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi
- Uttar Pradesh: Four institutions flagged, including:
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayagraj
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Matiyari Chinhat, Lucknow
- Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
- Andhra Pradesh: Two institutions identified so far:
- Christ New Testament Deemed University, Guntur
- Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
- Kerala: Two institutions:
- International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kozhikode
- St. John’s University, Kishanattam
- West Bengal: Two institutions:
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
- Institute of Alternative Medicine & Research, Thakurpukur, Kolkata
- Maharashtra: One institution:
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
- Puducherry: One institution:
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry
Warning to Students and Parents
The UGC has explicitly warned students: before enrolling in any “university,” check the institution’s recognition status on the UGC’s official website. Degrees from these fake universities hold no academic or legal value—they cannot be used for higher studies or employment.
The commission cited Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956, explaining that only universities authorised under a central act, state act or recognized via UGC’s Section 2(f)/3 have the right to award degrees. Many of the institutions flagged fail to meet these requirements or have no valid state legislation behind them.
In one specific case, an institution operating from Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi, offering engineering and management courses claimed to exist under some act—but no such recognition exists under the UGC law. The UGC has directed authorities to initiate further action and block admissions in these institutions.
Why This Matters
The proliferation of fake universities undermines the integrity of higher education in India. Taking enrolments in unrecognised institutions increases the risk of wasted time and money for students. It also raises doubts about the legitimacy of degrees used in recruitment, admissions and licensing processes.
Key Take-aways for students and families:
- Use only UGC-recognised institutions for degree programmes.
- Always cross-check the institution’s name on the UGC’s “Fake Universities” list.
- Be wary of institutions using phrases like “University,” “National,” “World,” “Open” or “State Government University” in their names to appear legitimate.
- A genuine university will be established via a state or central act, or recognised under Sections 2(f)/3 of the UGC Act.
- Degrees issued by unrecognised institutions may be invalid for further studies abroad, professional licensing, or government jobs.
This advisory from the UGC is part of a broader effort to tighten regulation and protect students from fraudulent education providers.
Top 50 FAQs on UGC Fake Universities List 2025 (India)
General FAQs
- What is the UGC Fake Universities List 2025?
It’s an official list released by the University Grants Commission (UGC) identifying institutions that are not authorized to confer degrees. - Who publishes the fake universities list in India?
The University Grants Commission (UGC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. - Why does UGC release this list every year?
To protect students from fraudulent institutions and ensure only recognized universities grant valid degrees. - How many fake universities are listed in 2025?
The UGC has identified 22 fake universities across India for the year 2025. - What happens if I graduate from a fake university?
Your degree is considered invalid, and it won’t be recognized for jobs or higher studies. - Can fake universities operate legally in India?
No. Only universities recognized under the UGC Act, 1956 are legally allowed to confer degrees. - How can I check if a university is recognized by UGC?
Visit the official UGC website www.ugc.gov.in and search the list of approved universities. - Is it illegal for these fake universities to issue degrees?
Yes, issuing degrees without UGC approval violates the UGC Act, 1956, and can lead to legal action. - Does UGC take action against these fake institutions?
UGC issues warnings, files complaints, and works with state authorities to shut down such institutions. - Can students get refunds from fake universities?
It’s challenging, but affected students can file complaints with local authorities or consumer forums.
Region-Specific FAQs
- Which state has the most fake universities in 2025?
Delhi tops the list with 8 fake universities identified by UGC. - How many fake universities are there in Uttar Pradesh?
UGC listed 4 fake universities in Uttar Pradesh in 2025. - Are there any fake universities in Kerala?
Yes, Kerala has one institution on the fake list for 2025. - Does West Bengal have fake universities too?
Yes, West Bengal has a few unrecognized institutions named by UGC. - What about Tamil Nadu or Maharashtra — are there fake universities there?
UGC’s 2025 list doesn’t mention any major fake universities in these states. - Are there fake universities in Andhra Pradesh or Telangana?
No, none listed in 2025, but UGC advises vigilance. - Are Delhi-based fake universities offering online degrees?
Yes, some operate online, making them even harder to detect. - Does UGC verify universities abroad operating in India?
Yes, any foreign university offering degrees in India must have UGC and AIU approval. - Can a college affiliated to a fake university be valid?
No, affiliation with a fake university automatically invalidates degrees. - How often does UGC update this fake list?
Usually once every year, with periodic mid-year updates.
Legal and Verification FAQs
- Under which law does UGC regulate universities?
Under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. - What sections of the UGC Act are violated by fake universities?
Sections 22 and 23 of the UGC Act prohibit unauthorized degree conferral. - Can a private university operate without UGC approval?
No, all private universities must be established by a state act and recognized by UGC. - What’s the penalty for running a fake university in India?
Legal prosecution, fines, and closure of the institution. - Do fake universities appear on UGC’s official website?
Yes, UGC publishes their names under “Fake Universities” on its site. - Is distance education from fake universities valid?
No. Only UGC-DEB (Distance Education Bureau) approved universities can offer valid distance courses. - How to identify fake university websites?
Look for suspicious URLs, no UGC recognition, missing NAAC grades, and poor contact details. - Can fake universities offer PhD or MPhil programs?
No. Only UGC-recognized institutions with specific approval can offer research degrees. - Do fake universities give fake certificates?
Yes, many issue unrecognized degrees or certificates that have no legal validity. - Is AICTE involved in verifying technical universities?
Yes, AICTE approves engineering and technical programs, separate from UGC.
Student Awareness FAQs
- What should I do before taking admission?
Always check UGC and AICTE websites for recognition and accreditation details. - How can I report a fake university?
You can file a complaint on UGC’s official grievance portal or email ugc@nic.in. - What documents should a valid university provide?
A registration certificate, UGC recognition letter, and NAAC accreditation. - Do fake universities advertise in newspapers?
Yes, many lure students with false ads and job placement promises. - How do fake universities collect fees?
Usually through private accounts or unverified payment portals. - Can fake universities offer international degrees?
No. Any foreign collaboration must be approved by UGC and AIU. - Are online-only universities trustworthy?
Only if they are listed under UGC-DEB’s approved online education providers. - How can parents verify a child’s admission?
Cross-check the institution name on the official UGC approved list. - Do fake universities use similar names to real ones?
Yes, many mimic legitimate institutions to deceive students. - Can students transfer credits from fake universities?
No, legitimate universities do not accept credits from fake institutions.
Awareness & Safety FAQs
- Does UGC collaborate with state governments to stop fake universities?
Yes, UGC works with state education departments and police. - Has UGC filed FIRs against fake institutions?
Yes, in several cases across Delhi and UP. - Are fake universities more common online now?
Yes, digital scams and fake online degrees have increased. - Does the government have a toll-free number for education fraud?
Yes, students can call 1800-111-656 for reporting educational fraud. - Can news sites like YourBlogStory share verified UGC updates?
Yes, trusted platforms often simplify official information for public awareness. - Do fake universities issue mark sheets?
Yes, but they are not valid for employment or academic use. - Are fake universities the same as unaccredited ones?
Unaccredited universities may seek recognition later, but fake ones operate illegally. - What’s the difference between deemed and fake universities?
Deemed universities are recognized by UGC, while fake ones are entirely unauthorized. - Will UGC take action in 2025 to close fake universities?
Yes, UGC has urged states to initiate strict closures and legal measures. - Where can I download the full list of fake universities 2025?
From the official UGC website: https://www.ugc.gov.in under the “Fake Universities” section.