The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh public advisory cautioning students, parents and the general public against enrolling in fake universities operating in Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra. The commission reiterated that degrees awarded by unrecognised institutions carry no validity for employment, higher education or any official purpose.
In its latest notice, the UGC identified three institutions functioning without statutory approval: National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth, Solapur (Maharashtra); S. K. Choultary, Devanur Main Road, Vijaya Nagara, Tumkur (Karnataka); and the National Institute of Management Solution (NIMS), Delhi. These entities have now been added to the UGC’s official list of fake universities. The commission clarified that none of them is authorised to award degrees or diplomas.
According to the UGC, students who enrol in such institutions risk losing valuable years, as the qualifications issued have no academic or legal standing.
Why degrees from these institutions are invalid
The commission explained that these organisations are “self-styled” and do not fulfil the requirements laid down under the UGC Act, 1956. They are neither recognised under Section 2(f) nor declared as deemed universities under Section 3 of the Act. In addition, they lack approval from the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or any other statutory regulatory authority. Consequently, any certificate, diploma or degree issued by them is invalid and unacceptable to educational institutions, employers and government bodies.
UGC’s warning to students and parents
Reinforcing its position, the UGC urged aspirants to verify the status of institutions before seeking admission. “In view of the above, students, parents and the public at large are cautioned through this public notice not to take admission in the above-mentioned self-styled institutions. Taking admission in such institutions may jeopardise the career of the students,” the commission stated.
The UGC noted that the problem of fake universities is longstanding. In the past, it had flagged institutions such as the Institute of Management and Training in Delhi and the International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine in Kerala for operating without statutory approval. In October 2025, the commission released a consolidated list of 22 fake universities across various states, warning that such entities often mislead students with false claims of legitimacy.
Students have been advised to consult the UGC’s official website and regularly updated lists before taking admission to protect their academic future and career prospects.
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