The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a public notice on Wednesday, 2 August 2023, revealing the identification of 20 counterfeit universities in India. The so-called ‘fake institutions’ have been declared ineligible and unauthorised to confer any academic degree on pupils. The UGC’s recommendation further asked parents, students, and the general public to take caution and remain attentive in light of the existence of these bogus educational institutions. The UGC emphasised a critical criterion: the jurisdiction to award degrees resides primarily with universities and facilities founded through a Central Act, State Act, Provincial Act, or entities lawfully empowered under the provisions of the UGC Act, 1956.
Relevantly, the UGC has highlighted many instances when specific universities have operated in violation of the UGC Act while nonetheless awarding degrees to students. The UGC Secretary, Prof. Manish R. Joshi, emphasised that “degrees awarded by such universities shall not be recognised nor deemed valid for higher education or employment purposes.” These universities do not have the jurisdiction to award degrees.”
List of Fake Universities Identified by UGC in India
The following is a list of all the fraudulent universities identified by the UGC in India, organised by state.
Andhra Pradesh
- Christ New Testament Deemed University, #32-32-2003, 7th Lane, Kakumanuvarithoto, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002 and another address of Christ New Testament Deemed University, Fit No. 301, Grace Villa Apts., 7/5, Srinagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002
- Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530016.
Delhi
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University, Office Kh. No. 608-609, 1st Floor, Sant Kripal Singh Public Trust Building, Near BDO Office, Alipur, Delhi-110036
- Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi.
- United Nations University, Delhi.
- Vocational University, Delhi.
- ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110 008.
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi.
- Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Rozgar Sewasadan, 672, Sanjay Enclave, Opp. GTK Depot, Delhi-110033.
- Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), 351-352, Phase-I, Block-A, Vijay Vihar, Rithala, Rohini, Delhi-110085
Karnataka
- Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Gokak, Belgaum, Karnataka.
Kerala
- St. John’s University, Kishanattam, Kerala.
Maharashtra
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Puducherry
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry-605009
Uttar Pradesh
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
- National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 227 105
West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkatta.
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research,8-A, Diamond Harbour Road, Builtech Inn, 2nd Floor, Thakurpurkur, Kolkatta – 700063
Taking Action Against Untrustworthy Institutions
Students and parents have an essential role in identifying institutions that violate the UGC Act, according to the UGC. The Commission has established a specialised reporting procedure for such incidents. If students come across an institute offering courses or degrees violating the UGC Act, they are asked to contact the Commission immediately at [email protected]. By doing so, they contribute to the more significant endeavour to sustain the quality and reputation of higher education in India.
