In a strong step toward safeguarding students and maintaining the integrity of the higher education system, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued an official UGC warning identifying and blacklisting fake universities operating across India. This university alert comes as part of the July 2025 update and includes a detailed statewise list of institutions that are not authorized to award degrees.
The UGC’s latest circular highlights the increasing cases of unrecognized institutions misleading students with false affiliations and degrees. These fake colleges operate without proper accreditation and often target students in remote or high-demand regions. This fresh education news is vital for parents, students, and education professionals across the country.
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What the UGC Warning States

As per the UGC warning, the listed fake universities have not been granted the status of a university under Section 2(f) and Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Therefore, any degree awarded by these institutions is considered invalid and unrecognized for higher education or employment.
Key points from the UGC warning:
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These institutions are unauthorized and not permitted to grant degrees
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Students enrolled in such universities are advised to withdraw immediately
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Legal action may be taken against institutions operating under false claims
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UGC has requested state governments to initiate action against such entities
This university alert serves as a public advisory to verify credentials before seeking admission.
Statewise List of Fake Universities – July 2025
Below is a summarized statewise list of some key fake universities identified in the July 2025 update:
State |
Number of Fake Universities |
Examples Listed |
---|---|---|
Delhi |
8 |
ADR-Centric Juridical University, Varanaseya Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya |
Uttar Pradesh |
9 |
Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University |
West Bengal |
2 |
Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Commercial University |
Karnataka |
1 |
Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society |
Maharashtra |
1 |
Raja Arabic University, Nagpur |
Tamil Nadu |
1 |
DDB Sanskrit University |
Kerala |
1 |
St. John’s University |
Odisha |
1 |
Nababharat Shiksha Parishad |
Puducherry |
1 |
Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education |
These fake colleges operate without the necessary UGC approval and often advertise aggressively online and offline, misleading thousands of students every year.
How to Identify Fake Universities
The UGC has laid out simple guidelines to help students and guardians verify the authenticity of any institution before applying:
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Always check the official UGC website for the list of recognized universities
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Genuine universities are listed under Section 2(f) and Section 3 of the UGC Act
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Verify with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for technical courses
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Avoid institutions offering degrees in a short time span or via correspondence without approval
This UGC warning is part of its effort to stop the spread of misinformation in higher education India.
What Students Should Do Next
If you are currently enrolled in any institution listed in the UGC warning, it is strongly advised to:
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Discontinue your course immediately
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File a formal complaint with the nearest UGC regional office
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Explore recognized alternatives through the UGC’s approved list
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Contact legal authorities if you’ve been misled or defrauded
This university alert is also a wake-up call for institutions to maintain transparency and for regulatory bodies to intensify inspections of dubious educational operations.
FAQs
What is a fake university according to UGC?
A fake university is an institution not recognized under Section 2(f) or Section 3 of the UGC Act and is not authorized to confer degrees in India.
Where can I find the list of fake universities?
The full statewise list is published on the official UGC website and updated regularly. The July 2025 notice includes several new names.
Is a degree from a fake university valid?
No, degrees from fake colleges are invalid and not accepted for employment, further education, or government services.
What should I do if I am studying in one of these universities?
Immediately stop attending, retain proof of communication, and contact UGC for guidance and the next steps.
How can I verify a university’s authenticity?
Visit https://www.ugc.ac.in and search the list of approved universities or contact your state’s higher education department.
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