Students Alert! UGC Flags 32 Fake Universities Operating Illegally in India Updates List of Unrecognized Universities

Action Against Fake Universities Across India: Fraud Network Spreads to 12 States, UGC Releases Updated List

Updated: February 19, 2026

India is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of fake universities operating across the country. According to the latest alert issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the number of fraudulent institutions has increased from 20 to 32 in the last two years, spreading their network from 8 states to 12 states nationwide.

The regulatory body has warned students and parents to remain vigilant and verify institutions before seeking admission.

UGC Issues Warning to Students and Parents

The UGC has strongly advised students not to enroll in institutions that are not recognized. The warning was issued alongside an alert regarding a fake institution operating under the name “Global Human Peace University” in Bengaluru.

The commission emphasized that degrees from such institutions are invalid and may not be accepted for employment or higher education.

List of Fake Universities Operating in Major Indian States: UGC Warning 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released an updated list of 32 fake universities operating across 12 states in India. These institutions are not recognized under the UGC Act and are illegally offering degrees, diplomas, and certifications.

Below is a state-wise list of fake universities currently flagged by the UGC.

📍 Delhi – 12 Fake Universities

Delhi has the highest number of fake universities in India. The institutions reportedly operating under fraudulent status include:

  • All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences
  • Commercial University Limited
  • United Nations University
  • Vocational University
  • ADR Centric Juridical University
  • Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
  • Vishwakarma Open University for Self Employment
  • Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya
  • World Peace of United National University
  • Institute of Management and Engineering
  • Mountain Institute of Management & Technology
  • National Institute of Management Solution

📍 West Bengal – 2 Fake Universities

In West Bengal, the following institutions are listed as fake:

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

📍 Uttar Pradesh – 4 Fake Universities

Uttar Pradesh has four unrecognized institutions:

  • Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag
  • Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
  • Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Open University
  • Aligarh-based institution & Bharatiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Lucknow

📍 Haryana – 1 Fake University

In Haryana:

  • Magic and Art University, Faridabad

📍 Jharkhand – 1 Fake University

In Jharkhand:

  • Daksh University, Ranchi

📍 Maharashtra – 2 Fake Universities

Maharashtra:

  • Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
  • National Backward Krishi Vidyapith, Solapur

📍 Puducherry – 2 Fake Institutions

Puducherry:

  • Sri Bodhi Academy of Higher Education
  • Usha Latchumanan College of Education

📍 Andhra Pradesh – 2 Fake Universities

Andhra Pradesh:

  • Christ New Testament Deemed University
  • Bible Open University of India

📍 Arunachal Pradesh – 1 Fake University

Arunachal Pradesh:

  • Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine

📍 Karnataka – 2 Fake Universities

Karnataka:

  • Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth
  • Global Human Peace University

📍 Rajasthan – 1 Fake University

Rajasthan:

  • Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management

Fake Universities Impersonating Foreign Institutions

The UGC has also warned that some fake universities are now posing as foreign institutions to attract students.

Recently, a university from Sri Lanka reportedly complained to the UGC that a fraudulent institution in Maharashtra was illegally using its name and logo. Following the complaint, the UGC issued a public advisory urging students and parents to verify foreign collaborations carefully.

How to Verify a University’s Recognition Status

Students and parents should:

  • Visit the official UGC website.
  • Check the updated “Fake Universities” list.
  • Confirm whether the institution is authorized to award degrees.
  • Avoid paying fees before verification.

Conclusion

The growing number of fake universities across India is a serious concern for students and parents alike. With fraudulent institutions expanding from 8 to 12 states in just two years, the risk of academic and financial loss has significantly increased. The UGC’s updated 2026 list serves as a crucial reminder to verify the recognition status of any institution before applying or paying fees. Degrees from unrecognized universities hold no legal validity and may jeopardize future employment and higher education opportunities. Staying informed, checking official UGC notifications, and avoiding unauthorized institutions are essential steps to safeguard academic careers.