Govt directs states to act against 32 fake universities identified by UGC

The Union government has directed all states and Union Territories to initiate legal action against 32 fake universities identified by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Ministry of Education informed the Rajya Sabha.

The institutions, included in the UGC's latest list published in February 2026, have also been ordered to be shut down, with authorities asked to act against those awarding unauthorized degrees.

The information was shared by Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply to a question on misleading advertisements by EdTech platforms promising 100% placements, high-paying jobs, unauthorized institutional affiliations, and complaints related to fake universities, invalid degrees, and unaccredited foreign collaborations.

The minister said the UGC has found that some EdTech companies have been advertising degree and diploma programs in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes in partnership with universities and institutions recognized or entitled by the commission.

The UGC, through a public notice, clarified that such franchisee arrangements are not permissible and that degrees and programs offered through these arrangements are not recognized by the regulator.

"Action will be initiated against defaulting EdTech companies and higher educational institutions under applicable laws, rules and regulations," the minister said.

Students and other stakeholders have been advised to verify the recognition or entitlement status of institutions and programs through the UGC's Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website before taking admission.

According to the ministry, whenever the UGC receives complaints about institutions offering degree programs without authorization, it issues notices seeking an explanation. If the response is found unsatisfactory, the institution is subsequently included in the commission's list of fake universities.

To address such malpractices, the UGC established its Anti-Malpractice Cell (AMPC) on May 30, 1996. The cell handles cases involving fake or unrecognized universities and institutions offering academic programs or awarding degrees in violation of the UGC Act, 1956.

The commission has also been issuing clarification letters, compliance notices, show-cause notices, warning notices, and public advisories through its website and social media platforms to create awareness among students, parents, and other stakeholders.

The Union government has written to Chief Secretaries, Education Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries of the concerned states and Union Territories, directing them to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, including the registration of FIRs wherever necessary, against institutions operating in violation of the UGC Act, 1956.

State governments and Union Territories have also been asked to identify and report any additional fake universities operating within their jurisdictions that are not included in the latest UGC list.

According to the latest list, Delhi has the highest number of fake universities at 12, followed by Uttar Pradesh with four. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and West Bengal have two each, while Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan have one each.

The government has urged states and Union Territories to shut down institutions falsely presenting themselves as universities and awarding unauthorized degrees. Authorities have also been asked to take action against individuals misleading students by using the term "university" without legal recognition.

The latest list of fake universities is available on the UGC website, and students have been advised to verify the recognition status and credentials of higher education institutions through the official UGC portal before seeking admission.

State-wise list of Fake Universities as on February, 2026