UGC fake universities list 2026 is out, and 32 institutions across India have been declared unrecognised. Students must verify approvals before taking admission to avoid invalid degrees.
UGC Declares 32 Fake Universities Across India in 2026
The University Grants Commission (UGC), which functions under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has officially identified 32 institutions operating as fake universities. Moreover, the Commission has clearly stated that these institutions do not have recognition from either the Central Government or any State Government. Therefore, any degree issued by these entities holds no legal validity for employment or higher education. Additionally, the UGC cited Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act to reinforce that only recognised institutions can award valid degrees in India. While higher education opportunities are expanding across the country, students must stay cautious. Consequently, the UGC has urged students and parents to verify the recognition status of any institution before applying for admission.
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Delhi Tops the List of Fake Universities
According to the latest notification (as of February 2026), Delhi records the highest number of fake universities in India. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh follows with four such institutions. This concentration highlights the urgent need for awareness among students in metropolitan and high-population states.
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Here is the state-wise breakdown of fake universities identified by the UGC:
| State | Number of Fake Universities |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 12 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 4 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 2 |
| Karnataka | 2 |
| Kerala | 2 |
| Maharashtra | 2 |
| Puducherry | 2 |
| West Bengal | 2 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1 |
| Haryana | 1 |
| Jharkhand | 1 |
| Rajasthan | 1 |
Clearly, Delhi alone accounts for over one-third of the total fake institutions. Therefore, students planning to study in the national capital must verify credentials carefully.
State-Wise List of Institutions Declared Fake (As of February 2026)
Below is the detailed list released by the UGC. Students should cross-check these names before enrolling anywhere.
Andhra Pradesh (2)
Christ New Testament Deemed University, Guntur
Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
Arunachal Pradesh (1)
Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine
Delhi (12)
World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU)
Institute of Management and Engineering
All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University
Commercial University Ltd.
United Nations University
Vocational University
ADR-Centric Juridical University
Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment
Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University)
National Institute of Management Solution
Mountain Institute of Management & Technology
Haryana (1)
Magic & Art University, Faridabad
Jharkhand (1)
Daksha University (Vocational and Life Skill Education), Ranchi
Karnataka (2)
Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, Tumkur
Global Human Peace University, Bengaluru
Kerala (2)
International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kozhikode
St John’s University
Maharashtra (2)
Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth, Solapur
Puducherry (2)
Usha Latchumanan College of Education
Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education
Rajasthan (1)
Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, Bhiwadi
Uttar Pradesh (4)
Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayagraj
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
West Bengal (2)
Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Kolkata
Why Students Must Verify University Recognition
Choosing the right university shapes a student’s academic and professional future. However, enrolling in a fake university can lead to severe consequences. Degrees from such institutions are invalid for government jobs, private employment, or higher studies. Consequently, students may lose years of effort and financial investment.
Moreover, employers increasingly verify degree authenticity. Therefore, holding a certificate from an unrecognised institution can permanently damage career prospects.
To stay safe, students should:
• Check the official UGC website for the approved university list.
* Verify whether the institution appears under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act.
* Avoid institutions promising quick degrees without proper admission processes.
* Confirm state government or central approval before enrolling.
UGC’s Advisory and Final Warning
The UGC has clearly warned students not to take admission in these 32 fake universities. Furthermore, it continues to monitor suspicious institutions operating without proper recognition. Meanwhile, students must rely only on verified and authorised universities for higher education. Therefore, awareness remains the strongest protection against academic fraud. Ultimately, education builds the foundation of a successful future. Consequently, verifying institutional legitimacy should be the first step before submitting any application form.
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many fake universities has UGC identified in 2026? | The UGC has identified 32 fake universities across India. |
| Are degrees from these institutions valid? | No, degrees issued by these institutions are not legally valid for jobs or higher education. |