UGC flags 32 fake universities, warns on EdTech degree tie-ups: Centre to Rajya Sabha

The Centre told the Rajya Sabha that the UGC has identified 32 fake universities across India. It also warned that unauthorised EdTech franchise degree programmes will not be recognised.UGC fake universities list 2026: Centre tells Rajya Sabha 32 flagged, warns against EdTech degrees (representative image)The Centre on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 32 fake universities across the country in its latest list published in February 2026. It also cautioned students against taking admission in unauthorised online and distance learning programmes being promoted through EdTech franchise arrangements.Replying to a question in the Upper House, Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar said the UGC regularly updates its list of fake universities and continues to take action against institutions that illegally award degrees.LEGAL ACTION ON THE TABLEAccording to the minister, the UGC has already issued clarification letters, show-cause notices and warning notices to fake institutions. Public advisories have also been released to alert students and parents.The Centre has written to Chief Secretaries and Education Secretaries of the concerned states and Union Territories, asking them to take suitable legal action, register FIRs against such institutions and initiate steps to shut them down. States have also been requested to identify any additional fake universities operating within their jurisdictions and report them to the UGC. THE LIST OF FAKE UNIVERSITIESState / UTFake Universities Identified by UGCDelhi (11)All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS); 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; World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU); Institute of Management and EngineeringHaryana (1)Magic & Art University, FaridabadRajasthan (1)Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, BhiwadiUttar Pradesh (4)Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag; Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh; Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow; Mahamaya Technical University, NoidaJharkhand (1)Daksha University (Vocational and Life Skill Education), RanchiAndhra Pradesh (2)Christ New Testament Deemed University; Bible Open University of IndiaArunachal Pradesh (1)Indian Institute of Alternative MedicineWest Bengal (2)Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine; Institute of Alternative Medicine and ResearchMaharashtra (1)Raja Arabic University, NagpurPuducherry (1)Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher EducationUGC FLAGS EDTECH FRANCHISE MODELThe government also highlighted another growing concern. Dr Majumdar said the UGC has found that some EdTech companies are advertising degree and diploma programmes in collaboration with recognised universities through franchise arrangements for Online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) courses.The regulator has clarified that such franchise arrangements are not permitted under UGC regulations. Degrees obtained through these unauthorised partnerships will not be recognised, and action will be taken against both the institutions and EdTech companies involved.CHECK BEFORE YOU ENROL The UGC has advised students to verify the recognition status of universities and online or ODL programmes through the UGC and Distance Education Bureau (DEB) portals before taking admission.The regulator also reiterated that its Anti-Malpractice Cell, set up in 1996, continues to investigate complaints against fake universities and institutions violating the UGC Act, 1956.With the admission season underway, the latest statement in Parliament serves as a reminder that verifying an institution's credentials can help students avoid invalid degrees and financial loss.- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Aug 7, 2026 10:07 IST