India’s UGC warns against 21 fake universities

India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled the list of 21 fake universities from nine states across the nation. While Maharashtra has only one university ‑ Raja Arabic University, Nagpur ‑ in the list, Uttar Pradesh tops with eight universities followed by Delhi with six universities.

UGC declares the list of fake universities for public information from time to time. The aim is to alert candidates seeking admission in such universities.

Other states from where fake universities have been listed are Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

“Students and the public at large are hereby informed that the UGC has identified, so far, these 21 self-styled, unrecognised institutions in nine states, which are functioning in contravention of the provisions of the UGC Act. All these institutions have been declared as fake and do not have any right to confer or grant degrees. It is for general information that aspiring students are advised /cautioned not to pursue higher education courses with these institutions. Anyone dealing with such institutions for pursuing academic studies for degrees, shall be doing so at his/her own risk and responsibility,” states the notice.

It further adds, “Students, their parents and the general public are, therefore, advised to refer to the websites of UGC (www.ugc.ac.in), the AICTE (www.aicte.ernet.in) and DEC (www.dec.ac.in) to verify and satisfy themselves of the list of the recognised Indian Universities/Institutions before joining or taking admission in various courses.”