Dreaming of your college years? The first step should be verifying that your university actually exists legally. NDTV recently highlighted a pressing issue: a surprising number of institutions in India offer degrees that sound legitimate but are, in fact, completely fake.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) publishes the only legitimate list of recognized universities and it also maintains a public list of “fake” institutions. Some 21 universities including eight in Delhi are officially flagged as bogus, operating outside legal approval.

Here’s how to avoid falling into the trap:

1. Check UGC’s official website before applying. This one step can save you years of wasted effort.
2. Confirm under which Act the institute claims legitimacy only those established under State or Central laws are valid.
3. Use recognized credentials, check for inclusion under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, which reflects central funding eligibility.
4. Be skeptical of degree mills—institutions promising quick diplomas, online-only claims, or suspicious domain names (like “.ac” or flashy logos). These red flags may point to diploma mills.

In recent years, UGC has urged students and parents to report suspicious institutions through official channels not just for individual protection, but to maintain the integrity of India’s higher education system.

Remember, genuine qualifications are built on a foundation of trust, accreditation, and real academic rigor. Investing time in verification today can protect your future tomorrow.