CBSE advises students to verify UGC recognition before college admissions

The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued an advisory asking students to check the recognition status of higher education institutions with the University Grants Commission before applying for admission in the upcoming academic cycle.

The move aligns with ongoing efforts by the UGC to caution students and parents against self-styled and unrecognized universities operating across India.

The commission maintains and periodically updates a list of such fake universities on its official website to prevent applicants from being misled.

The UGC said it releases public notices every year and revises the list of unrecognized institutions on a continuous basis to create awareness among students, parents, and other stakeholders.

It warned that admissions to these institutions could negatively impact a student’s academic credentials and long-term career prospects.

To strengthen awareness at the school level, CBSE has directed its affiliated schools to counsel students of Classes 10 and 12, along with their parents or guardians, about the risks of enrolling in unrecognized institutions.

Schools have been asked to guide students on verifying institutional recognition through the UGC’s official portal under the HEIs section.

The board has also instructed schools to widely circulate the advisory by displaying it on notice boards, sharing it on school websites and circulars, and discussing it during parent-teacher meetings.

Students have been advised to apply only to institutions recognized by the UGC to safeguard their academic and professional interests.