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Introduction
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently published an updated list of 22 institutions it deems “fake universities” in India. These entities are not established by any Central or State Act and are not recognised under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 — meaning any degree they issue is invalid for academic or employment purposes. The regulator has issued a stern warning: prospective students and their guardians must exercise caution.

State-wise breakdown and where the problem is highest

With nine institutions flagged as fake universities, Delhi leads the list, indicating that the nation’s capital region is the hotspot for such unrecognised institutes. Uttar Pradesh follows with five, while several other states have one or two each.

State-wise list of 22 fake universities named by UGC

Delhi (9)

• ADR-Centric Juridical University
• Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University)
• All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University
• Commercial University Ltd.
• Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
• United Nations University
• Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment
• Vocational University
• World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU)

Uttar Pradesh (5)

• Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
• Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag
• Mahamaya Technical University, Noida/GB Nagar
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University)
• Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya (VSV), Varanasi

Andhra Pradesh (2)

• Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
• Christ New Testament Deemed University, Guntur

Kerala (2)

• International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM)
• St. John’s University

West Bengal (2)

• Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine
• Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research

Maharashtra (1)

• Raja Arabic University

Puducherry (1)

• Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education

Some of the named fake universities

• In Delhi: ADR-Centric Juridical University; Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya; All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS); Commercial University Ltd.; Indian Institute of Science and Engineering; United Nations University; Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment; Vocational University; World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU).
• In Uttar Pradesh: Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad (Lucknow); Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith (Prayag); Mahamaya Technical University (Noida/GB Nagar); Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University); Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya (Varanasi).
• In Andhra Pradesh: Bible Open University of India (Visakhapatnam); Christ New Testament Deemed University (Guntur).
• In Kerala: International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM); St. John’s University.
• In West Bengal: Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine; Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research.
• In Maharashtra: Raja Arabic University.
• In Puducherry: Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education.

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Why fake universities matter
When a student enrols in an institution that lacks recognition, several risks follow:

• The degree may not be valid for further education (e.g., postgraduate programmes) or for hiring by credible employers.
• Registrations with professional bodies (engineering, pharmacy, medicine) may fail because the base degree won’t be accepted.
• Wasted time, money and effort — students may need to repeat studies at a recognised institution.
• The broader credibility of the higher-education system is compromised when unrecognised providers proliferate.

What the UGC recommends

• Always check whether the university appears on the UGC’s list of recognised universities (under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act, 1956).
• For regulated professions (engineering, management, medicine, pharmacy), also verify the institution is approved by the relevant regulator (e.g., All India Council for Technical Education, National Medical Commission, Pharmacy Council of India).
• Recognise that labels like “open university”, “international”, “industry-validated”, or “autonomous” alone do not guarantee degree-granting powers.
• Never rely solely on marketing brochures or agents; always cross-check with official sources.
• If in doubt, contact the UGC’s helpline or consult its website for the verified list.

Conclusion
The UGC’s action serves as a cautionary wake-up call for students and parents navigating the increasingly complex higher education landscape. With Delhi topping the list of unrecognised institutions, students in the region must be especially vigilant. A few minutes of verification now can save years of trouble — and safeguard your academic and professional future.

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