In a decisive move to protect students from fraudulent institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released its 2025 list of 21 unrecognized "fake" universities operating across India. These institutions lack legal accreditation and are not authorized to confer degrees, posing significant risks to students who may unknowingly enroll and receive invalid qualifications.

UGC’s 2025 List of Fake Universities

The UGC's updated list includes institutions from various states, with Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh notably having multiple entries. For instance, in Andhra Pradesh, institutions like Christ New Testament Deemed University and Bible Open University of India are mentioned. In Delhi, several unrecognized entities such as All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS), Commercial University Ltd., and United Nations University are listed. Uttar Pradesh also features multiple unrecognized institutions. 

Why This Matters ?

Enrolling in an unrecognized institution can lead to:

Invalid Degrees: Degrees from these institutions are not recognized by the UGC or other regulatory bodies.

Career Setbacks: Employers and higher education institutions may not accept qualifications from unrecognized universities.

Legal Consequences: Students may face legal issues if found to have obtained degrees from fraudulent institutions.

How to Verify a University’s Legitimacy?

Before enrolling, students and parents should:

Check the UGC Website: Visit the official UGC website to verify the recognition status of a university.

Consult State Higher Education Portals: State education departments often maintain lists of recognized institutions.

Look for Accreditation: Ensure the university is accredited by relevant regulatory bodies.

By staying vigilant and conducting thorough research, students can protect themselves from falling prey to fraudulent institutions and ensure their educational investments are secure.