UGC publishes inventory of 20 unaccredited universities

As the academic session approaches, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has once again unveiled its annual list of universities deemed “fake.” This year, the list comprises 20 institutes that lack the authority to confer valid degrees. Notably, Delhi hosts the highest number, with eight such unaccredited universities.

UGC Secretary, Manish Joshi, highlighted that these institutes have been found to offer degrees in violation of the UGC Act. Any degrees obtained from these universities will neither be recognised nor accepted for further education or employment purposes. UGC further urges students and the public to be cautious and refrain from pursuing studies at these unauthorised universities.

The eight “fake” universities in Delhi are: All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences; Commercial University Ltd, Daryaganj; United Nations University; Vocational University; ADR-Centric Juridical University; Indian Institution of Science and Engineering; Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment; and Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University).

Uttar Pradesh has four such universities — Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith; National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy; Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University); and Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad.

Karnataka, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala also have “fake” universities, the UGC noted.