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| Fake degrees, false promises: 32 Universities flagged, EdTech ads under scanner | | |  Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 8: The Union Government has informed Parliament that 32 institutions have been identified as fake universities across the country, while the University Grants Commission (UGC) has flagged misleading advertisements by some EdTech platforms promising students 100 per cent placements and high-paying jobs.
As par document tabled in the Rajya Sabha, the government said the UGC had noticed advertisements by some EdTech companies offering degree and diploma programmes through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes in association with universities or higher educational institutions recognised or entitled by the regulator.
The minister said the UGC had issued a public notice warning students and other stakeholders that such franchise arrangements between EdTech companies and higher educational institutions were not permissible.
“Any such programme or degree does not have recognition of UGC,” the minister said, adding that action would be initiated against defaulting EdTech companies and higher educational institutions under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
The UGC has advised students and other stakeholders to verify the recognition or entitlement status of programmes on the UGC's Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website before enrolling in any course.
The minister said that whenever the UGC receives a complaint regarding an unauthorised institution offering degree programmes, it issues a notice to the institution stating that it is not authorised to award degrees and seeks an explanation.
“If the explanation received is unsatisfactory, the institution's name is included in the UGC's list of fake universities,” he said.
According to the latest list published by the UGC in February 2026, as many as 32 institutions have been identified as fake universities.
The UGC maintains a state-wise list of such institutions and periodically updates it on its official website to help students and parents avoid enrolling in unrecognised institutions.
To tackle the proliferation of fake and unrecognised universities and institutions, the UGC established its Anti-Malpractice Cell (AMPC) on May 30, 1996.
The cell deals with cases involving the existence and functioning of fake or unrecognised universities and institutes that offer programmes or award degrees in violation of the UGC Act, 1956.
The UGC has also taken several measures to create awareness among students, parents and the general public about fake educational institutions.
UGC issued show-cause notices, warning notices and letters to unauthorised institutions awarding invalid degrees and seeking their comments or clarification.
The government has urged students to exercise caution before enrolling in online, distance-learning or conventional degree programmes and to verify the recognition status of both the institution and the specific programme through official regulatory sources. |
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