The Union Government has intensified its crackdown on fake universities and misleading EdTech platforms, urging students to verify the recognition status of educational institutions before enrolling in any degree or diploma programme. The Ministry of Education informed Parliament that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 fake universities across the country and has also warned against unauthorized online and distance learning programmes being promoted through franchisee arrangements.
UGC Warns Against Misleading EdTech Advertisements
According to the Ministry of Education, the UGC has observed that several EdTech companies are advertising degree and diploma programmes in Online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modes in collaboration with universities and institutions. However, the Commission clarified that franchisee arrangements for offering such programmes are not permitted under existing regulations.
The UGC has issued a public notice stating that any degree or diploma offered through such unauthorized arrangements will not be recognized. It has also warned that legal action will be initiated against defaulting EdTech companies and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) found violating the regulations.
Students and parents have been advised to verify the recognition and entitlement status of institutions and programmes through the official UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portal before taking admission.
32 Fake Universities Identified Across India
The government reiterated that, as per the latest UGC list released in February 2026, 32 institutions have been identified as fake universities operating in India.
Whenever the UGC receives complaints regarding unauthorized institutions awarding degrees, it issues notices seeking explanations. If the responses are found unsatisfactory, the institutions are added to the official list of fake universities. These institutions are not authorized to award degrees under the UGC Act, 1956.
Multiple Measures to Protect Students
The Ministry highlighted that the UGC has adopted several measures to curb the menace of fake universities and unauthorized institutions.
These include issuing show-cause notices, warning letters and compliance notices to institutions offering invalid degrees. The Commission regularly publishes and updates the state-wise list of fake universities on its official website to keep students informed.
Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted through the UGC website and social media platforms to educate students, parents and other stakeholders about fake institutions. The Commission has consistently advised aspiring students to verify the credentials of higher education institutions before applying for admission.
States Asked to Take Strict Legal Action
The Central Government has also requested all State Governments and Union Territory administrations to initiate strict legal action against fake universities operating within their jurisdictions.
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Letters have been sent to Chief Secretaries, Education Secretaries and Principal Secretaries asking them to register FIRs wherever necessary and ensure closure of institutions violating the UGC Act. States have also been requested to identify and report any additional fake universities that may not yet be included in the UGC’s official list.
The Centre emphasized that institutions misleading students by falsely presenting themselves as universities and awarding invalid degrees are cheating students and undermining the credibility of India’s higher education system.
Anti-Malpractice Cell Monitoring Violations
To strengthen enforcement, the UGC has established the Anti-Malpractice Cell (AMPC), which monitors complaints related to fake and unrecognized universities. The cell investigates institutions operating in violation of the UGC Act and recommends appropriate action against offenders.
The Commission continues to monitor complaints and take regulatory action wherever unauthorized institutions are found offering illegal degree programmes.
Government Reiterates Student Awareness
The Ministry stressed that awareness among students remains the most effective safeguard against educational fraud. Prospective students have been encouraged to rely only on officially recognized universities and verify every institution through the UGC before seeking admission.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in separate written replies in the Rajya Sabha, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting students from fraudulent educational institutions and misleading academic advertisements.
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