UGC Fake Universities List 2026: Complete State-Wise List, Recognition Guide & How to Verify a University
Choosing the right university is one of the most important decisions in a student's academic journey. Every year, thousands of students seek admission to colleges and universities across India, hoping to build successful careers through quality education. However, the presence of fake universities continues to be a major concern in the Indian higher education sector.
To protect students from fraudulent institutions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the UGC Fake Universities List 2026, identifying 32 unauthorized institutions operating across 12 states and union territories in India. These institutions are not recognized by the UGC and do not have the legal authority to award degrees.
Students, parents, and guardians must verify the recognition status of any institution before paying fees or enrolling in a program. Degrees issued by fake universities are not accepted for employment, higher education, government examinations, or professional licensing.
This guide covers the complete state-wise list of fake universities in India, explains the importance of university accreditation, and provides practical steps to verify whether a university is legitimate.
What Is the UGC and Why Does Its Fake University List Matter?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body established under the UGC Act, 1956, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
The UGC is responsible for:
- Recognizing universities in India
- Maintaining academic standards
- Regulating higher education institutions
- Providing grants and funding support
- Ensuring quality assurance in higher education
According to Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act, only institutions recognized by the UGC or established through a valid Act of Parliament or State Legislature can award degrees.
Any institution operating without such recognition is considered unauthorized, and degrees issued by them have no legal validity.
Key Highlights of the UGC Fake Universities List 2026
- 32 fake universities identified across India
- 12 states and union territories affected
- Delhi has the highest number of fake institutions (12)
- Uttar Pradesh follows with 4 institutions
- Degrees issued by these institutions are invalid
- Students are advised to verify recognition before admission
- Four states—Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan—have appeared on the list in recent years
State-Wise List of Fake Universities in India 2026
Andhra Pradesh (2)
1. Christ New Testament Deemed University
Address: #32-32-2003, 7th Lane, Kakumanuvarithoto, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh – 522002
2. Bible Open University of India
Address: H.No. 49-35-26, NGO's Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 530016
Arunachal Pradesh (1)
3. Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine
Address: 130/A, Secretariat S.O., Arunachal Pradesh – 791111
Delhi (12)
4. Mountain Institute of Management & Technology
109, Madhuban Building, Nehru Place, New Delhi
5. World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU)
Pitampura, New Delhi
6. Institute of Management and Engineering
Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi
7. National Institute of Management Solution
Janakpuri, Delhi
8. All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS)
Alipur, Delhi
9. Commercial University Ltd.
Daryaganj, Delhi
10. United Nations University
Delhi
11. Vocational University
Delhi
12. ADR-Centric Juridical University
Rajendra Place, New Delhi
13. Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
New Delhi
14. Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment
Delhi
15. Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University)
Rohini, Delhi
Haryana (1)
16. Magic & Art University
Faridabad, Haryana
Jharkhand (1)
17. Daksha University (Vocational and Life Skill Education)
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Karnataka (2)
18. Global Human Peace University
Bengaluru, Karnataka
19. Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth
Tumakuru, Karnataka
Kerala (2)
20. International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM)
Kozhikode, Kerala
21. St. John's University
Kerala
Maharashtra (2)
22. Raja Arabic University
Nagpur, Maharashtra
23. National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth
Solapur, Maharashtra
Puducherry (2)
24. Usha Latchumanan College of Education
Puducherry
25. Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education
Puducherry
Rajasthan (1)
26. Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management
Bhiwadi, Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh (4)
27. Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith
Prayagraj
28. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University)
Aligarh
29. Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad
Lucknow
30. Mahamaya Technical University
Noida
West Bengal (2)
31. Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine
Kolkata
32. Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research
Kolkata
State-Wise Distribution of Fake Universities
| 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 |
Delhi continues to have the highest concentration of fake universities in India, accounting for more than one-third of the total institutions identified by the UGC.
What Happens If You Study in a Fake University?
Many students discover the truth only after completing a degree. Unfortunately, the consequences can be serious.
Degrees Become Invalid
Degrees issued by fake universities are not legally recognized.
Employment Challenges
Government departments and most reputed private employers reject such qualifications.
Higher Education Problems
Students cannot use these degrees for postgraduate admissions or professional certifications.
Financial Loss
Tuition fees paid to fake institutions are often non-refundable.
Legal Complications
Students may face document verification issues during recruitment and admissions.
University Accreditations You Must Verify
Before applying to any university, students should check whether the institution is recognized and accredited by relevant authorities.
1. University Grants Commission (UGC)
UGC recognition is mandatory for universities offering degree programs in India.
Check:
- UGC recognized university list
- UGC approved online programs
- UGC approved distance education programs
2. National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
NAAC evaluates institutions based on:
- Teaching quality
- Curriculum
- Infrastructure
- Research output
- Student support
Universities receive grades such as A++, A+, A, B++, etc.
3. National Board of Accreditation (NBA)
NBA accredits individual programs rather than entire institutions.
Commonly applicable to:
- Engineering
- Management
- Pharmacy
- Technical programs
4. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
AICTE approval is essential for many technical and professional programs.
It regulates:
- Engineering colleges
- Management institutions
- Technical education providers
5. Professional Regulatory Bodies
Certain courses require additional approvals.
National Medical Commission (NMC) – For medical colleges and MBBS programs.
Bar Council of India (BCI) – For law programs.
Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) – For pharmacy courses.
How to Recognize a Fake University in India?
Students should carefully evaluate institutions before taking admission.
Verify UGC Recognition
Visit the official UGC website and check whether the institution appears in the recognized university list.
Examine the Official Website
Look for:
- Proper accreditation details
- Updated information
- Transparent admission policies
- Faculty profiles
Warning signs include:
- Frequent spelling errors
- Poor website quality
- Missing recognition details
- Excessive promotional claims
Check Contact Information
Legitimate institutions provide:
- Functional phone numbers
- Official email addresses
- Verified campus locations
Avoid institutions that are difficult to contact or provide vague information.
Verify Faculty Credentials
Search faculty members on:
- Google Scholar
- Institutional profiles
Qualified faculty members usually have visible academic records.
Beware of Unrealistic Claims
Red flags include:
- Guaranteed placements
- Instant admissions
- No examination requirements
- Extremely low fees
- Fast-track degrees
No legitimate university can guarantee employment.
Read Independent Reviews
Research on:
- Google Reviews
- Quora
- Education forums
Student experiences often reveal valuable information.
UGC Defaulter List vs Fake University List
Students often confuse these two categories.
Fake Universities
These institutions have no legal authority to grant degrees.
Defaulter Universities
These are recognized institutions that may have failed to comply with specific UGC regulations.
While defaulters require caution, fake universities should be completely avoided.
Importance of Verifying Online and Distance Learning Programs
With the rapid growth of online education, students must ensure that online and distance-learning degrees are approved by the UGC.
A valid online degree should be offered by:
- A UGC-recognized university
- An institution approved for online education
- Programs compliant with UGC regulations
UGC-approved online degrees are valid for employment, higher studies, and government examinations.
Final Thoughts
The release of the UGC Fake Universities List 2026 serves as an important reminder for students and parents to thoroughly verify institutions before seeking admission. With 32 fake universities identified across 12 states, the risk of falling victim to misleading advertisements and unauthorized degree providers remains significant.
Before enrolling in any university, always verify its UGC recognition status, accreditation details, faculty credentials, and regulatory approvals. A few minutes of research can protect students from years of academic and financial loss.
Choosing a recognized institution ensures that your degree is valid, respected, and accepted for employment, higher education, and professional growth. Always rely on official sources such as the UGC website and accreditation agencies before making any admission decision.
Click here : https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/Fakeuniversity
