UGC adds three institutions to fake universities list, warns students

The University Grants Commission has added three more institutions to its list of fake universities, warning students that degrees or diplomas issued by these entities will not be recognized for higher education or government jobs.

In a notification issued this week, the UGC identified National Backward Krushi Vidypeeth in Maharashtra, Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth in Karnataka, and the National Institute of Management Solution in Delhi as institutions operating in violation of the UGC Act, 1956.

The regulator cautioned students, parents, and teachers against seeking admission to these institutions, stating that enrollment could seriously affect students’ academic and professional prospects.

In its notice, the UGC said, “This has come to the notice of UGC that National Backward Krushi Vidypeeth, Tadwal, Tal Akkalkot, District-Solapur, Maharshtra is awarding degrees in violation of UGC Act,1956.”

“The UGC has included its name in the UGC list of Fake Universities. It is informed that National Backward Krushi Vidypeeth is neither recognized by UGC under Section 2(f) / Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 nor approved by AICTE and any other statutory body,” it added.

A similar violation was cited in the case of Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth in Karnataka.

“Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, Near S. K. Choultary, Devanur Main Road, Vijaya Nagara, Tumkur-572102, Karnataka, is awarding degrees in violation of UGC Act, 1956. The UGC has included its name in the UGC list of Fake Universities,” the notification stated.

“It is informed that Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth is neither recognized by UGC under Section 2(f)/ Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 nor approved by AICTE and any other statutory body. Hence, it is not entitled to award any degree/diploma,” the notification added.

The UGC also flagged the National Institute of Management Solution, Janakpuri, New Delhi, stating, “National Institute of Management Solution, B 1/1 2nd Floor, Janakpuri, New Delhi, now NIMS is neither recognized by UGC under Section 2(f)/ Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 nor entitled to award any degree. Its name has been included in the UGC list of fake universities, which is available on UGC website.”

“Any degree issued by this institute so far is not valid for Higher Education/ Government Job purposes. National Institute of Management Solutions, B 1/1 IInd Floor, Janakpuri, New Delhi is not authorized to admit students in any Bachelor/Master degree programmes on behalf of any other university,” it added.

The regulator emphasized that admissions to self-styled institutions posing as universities could jeopardize students’ careers and urged aspirants to verify recognition status before enrolling.

The UGC had earlier released a list of 22 institutions found to be operating without approval while projecting themselves as universities.

According to the state-wise breakup, Delhi accounts for the highest number of such institutions at 10, followed by Uttar Pradesh with four.

Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and West Bengal have two each, while Maharashtra and Puducherry have one each.