The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a critical warning to students and parents nationwide by releasing an updated list of 32 self-styled, unrecognised institutions functioning across India in violation of the UGC Act. These institutions are not authorized to confer valid degrees or grant academic qualifications.
Over the past decade, the number of unrecognized (“fake”) universities operating in India has seen a 52.4% increase. According to regulatory data released by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the total count of non-compliant institutions rose from 21 in June 2015 to 32 as of February 2026.
Key Data Highlights
- June 2015 Baseline: 21 recognized fake universities
- February 2026 Update: 32 recognized fake universities
- Decadal Growth Rate: +52.38% increase in unaccredited entities
An analysis of official educational registry data from the past decade reveals a significant rise in unauthorized academic entities across India. Between June 2015 and February 2026
With Delhi accounting for the highest concentration of listed institutions, the notification serves as an urgent reminder to verify institution credentials before finalizing enrollments. As reported by Campusutra, academic fraud remains a major industry concern, highlighted by instances like the investigation into OPJS University in Rajasthan over thousands of fraudulent degrees issued without valid accreditation. Earlier, Campusutra published that while the UGC continuously tightens norms and regulations for legitimate deemed universities, unapproved entities continue to operate illegally.
State-Wise Distribution Breakdown (As per UGC)
- Delhi (12): Includes Mountain Institute of Management & Technology, World Peace of United Nations University, Institute of Management and Engineering, AIIPHS, Commercial University Ltd., United Nations University, Vocational University, ADR-Centric Juridical University, Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, Viswakarma Open University, Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya, and NIMS.
- Uttar Pradesh (4): Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith (Prayagraj), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Aligarh), Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad (Lucknow), and Mahamaya Technical University (Noida).
- Andhra Pradesh (2): Christ New Testament Deemed University (Guntur) and Bible Open University of India (Visakhapatnam).
- Karnataka (2): Global Human Peace University (Bengaluru) and Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth (Tumkur).
- Kerala (2): International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (Kozhikode) and St. John’s University.
- Maharashtra (2): Raja Arabic University (Nagpur) and National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth (Solapur).
- Puducherry (2): Usha Latchumanan College of Education and Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education.
- West Bengal (2): Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine and Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research (Kolkata).
- Single-Institution States (1 each): Haryana (Magic & Art University, Faridabad), Jharkhand (Daksha University, Ranchi), Rajasthan (Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, Bhiwadi), and Arunachal Pradesh (Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine).
5 Essential Checklist Steps Before Enrolling
- Check Official UGC Portals: Always verify if the institution is listed under Central, State, Private, or Deemed University registries on the UGC Official Notice List.
- Program-Specific Accreditation: Confirm that specific courses hold mandatory regulatory approvals (e.g., AICTE, NMC, BCI, NCTE).
- Distance/Online Verification: Verify Open & Distance Learning (ODL) and online programs directly on the UGC-DEB portal.
- Avoid Marketing Traps: Do not trust aggressive advertising campaigns, agent guarantees, or fancy campus names without direct government approval.
- Watch Out for Red-Flag Names: Be cautious of institutions using deceptive keywords like “Deemed,” “Global,” “National,” or “International” in their title without legal backing.
