New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared 22 institutions across India as fake universities, cautioning students against enrolling in them. These institutions, the Commission stated, have been operating without the legal authority to grant degrees and are falsely projecting themselves as legitimate universities.
According to the UGC, none of these entities is established under any Central or State Act, nor are they recognised under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Therefore, any degrees or certificates awarded by them are invalid for academic or professional purposes.
The most recent case identified is the Institute of Management and Engineering located in Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi. The UGC clarified that the institute’s engineering degrees are not recognised, as it lacks statutory approval or affiliation under any law governing higher education in India.
As per the updated list shared in October 2025, Delhi has the highest number of fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh. The UGC urged students and parents to verify the status of any university before admission through its official website.
State-wise List of Fake Universities (as of October 2025)
Delhi:
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University
- Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj
- United Nations University
- Vocational University
- ADR-Centric Juridical University, Rajendra Place
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
- Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Sanjay Enclave
- Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), Rohini
- World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura
- Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur
Uttar Pradesh:
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
- Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
Andhra Pradesh:
- Christ New Testament Deemed University
- Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
West Bengal:
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Diamond Harbour Road
Maharashtra:
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Puducherry:
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Thilaspet
Karnataka:
- Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Belgaum
Kerala:
- St. John’s University, Kishanpattam
The UGC reiterated that only universities established by an Act of Parliament, State Legislature, or recognised under its provisions are authorised to confer degrees. It also warned that operating or promoting fake universities violates the UGC Act and invites legal action.
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