The University Grants Commission (UGC) noticed that some EdTech companies are giving advertisements in newspaper / social media / television for offering degree and diploma programmes in ODL/Online modes in association with some Universities/Institutions recognized/entitled by the UGC. UGC issued a public notice informing all students/stakeholders that such franchisee arrangements are not permissible and any such programme/degree does not have recognition of UGC. It stated that action will be initiated against defaulting EdTech companies and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) under applicable laws/ rules/ regulations. UGC also advised all students/stakeholders through public notice to check the recognition/entitlement status of the programmes on UGC (DEB) website before enrolling in any course.

Whenever a complaint is received regarding an unauthorized institution offering degree programmes, the UGC issues a notice informing the institution that it is not authorized to award degrees and seeks its explanation. If the explanation received is unsatisfactory, the institution's name is included in the UGC's list of fake Universities. As per the latest list published in February 2026, 32 institutions have been identified as fake Universities. The list of fake Universities is available on the website of UGC at https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/ Fake university.

To curb the menace of fake universities and unauthorized institutions, the Anti-Mal- Practice Cell (AMPC) was established by UGC on 30 May 1996. The AMPC deals with the matters relating to the existence/functioning of fake or unrecognized Universities/Institutes in the Country which are offering programmes /awarding degrees in contravention of the UGC Act 1956.

Further, to bring awareness among students and the general public, the UGC has taken the following steps:

i. Issued Show Cause Notices/Warning Notices/letters to the unauthorized institutes awarding invalid degrees for comments/clarification.

ii. Periodically published and uploaded the State-wise List of fake Universities on the UGC’s website. (www.ugc.ac.in).

iii. Issued Public Notices, from time to time, on the UGC’s website and social media platforms to create awareness among the general public, students, parents, and other stakeholders about fake Universities. Advised students to verify the credentials of HEIs through the official UGC’s website before applying for admission.

iv. Requesting all State Governments and Union Territories to take appropriate action against fake Universities/Institutions operating within their jurisdiction and requesting them to lodge FIRs against such entities, wherever necessary.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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