The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a public notice alerting students, parents, and the public about the surge of fake universities offering invalid degrees. The notice has been published on the official website to safeguard students from fraudulent academic practices. The commission emphasized that only institutions established under a state act, central act, provincial act, or those explicitly recognized under the UGC Act, 1956, are legally authorized to confer degrees. Degrees obtained from unrecognized institutions will not be valid for higher education, government jobs, or professional purposes, the UGC warned.
This long-standing issue has plagued India’s education system, with numerous reports of institutions duping students by offering degrees without legal recognition. The UGC has urged students to exercise caution and verify the recognition status of any institution before enrolling. The commission has also published a list of fake universities and violators of UGC regulations, which can be accessed here.
UGC cracks down on fake universities: How to verify recognition
To avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent institutions, students are advised to follow the steps given here and check the recognition of an institution before applying for admission:
Step 1. Visit the official UGC website at ugc.ac.in.
Step 2. Cross-check the list of recognized universities to confirm the institution’s legitimacy.
Step 3. Review the UGC’s list of blacklisted or fake universities.
Step 4. Contact the UGC directly for clarification if an institution’s status is unclear.
UGC cracks down on fake universities: Reporting fake institutions
The UGC has also called on students and the public to report any university or institution offering unapproved academic programs. Complaints can be submitted via email to ugcampc@gmail.com, prompting the commission to take appropriate action against such entities.
The UGC’s notice underscores the importance of due diligence in the admission process. Students are encouraged to regularly visit the UGC website for updates and official notices to ensure the legitimacy of their chosen institutions.
This stern advisory from the UGC serves as a critical reminder for students and parents to remain vigilant and prioritize verified institutions to secure their academic and professional futures.
Read the complete notice here.