CBSE advises students to verify UGC recognition before college admissions

As the college admission season approaches, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important advisory cautioning students and parents against seeking admission to unrecognised higher education institutions. The board has urged aspirants to verify whether colleges and universities are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) before applying. 

The advisory comes amid growing concerns over the rise of self-styled and unrecognised universities operating across the country. To address this issue, the UGC regularly publishes and updates a list of such “fake universities” on its official website. This initiative aims to protect students from misleading claims and ensure they make informed decisions about their academic future.

According to education authorities, enrolling in unrecognised institutions can lead to serious consequences, including invalid degrees, limited career opportunities, and difficulties in pursuing higher studies or employment. To prevent such outcomes, CBSE has emphasised the need for greater awareness at the school level.

In line with this, CBSE has directed all its affiliated schools to actively counsel students of Classes 10 and 12, along with their parents or guardians, about the risks associated with admissions to unapproved institutions. Schools have been asked to guide students on how to check the recognition status of colleges and universities through the UGC’s official portal, particularly under the “Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs)” section.

Additionally, schools have been instructed to widely publicise the advisory to ensure maximum outreach. This includes displaying notices on school notice boards, sharing information through school websites and circulars, and discussing the matter during parent-teacher meetings. Such steps are intended to strengthen awareness and encourage responsible decision-making among students.

CBSE has reiterated that students should apply only to institutions that are officially recognised by the UGC. By exercising due diligence and verifying institutional credentials, students can safeguard their academic interests and lay a strong foundation for their future careers.