The government on Wednesday admitted that some fake educational institutes, especially EdTech platforms, are misleading educated youth by giving misleading advertisements promising 100 per cent placements and high-paying jobs.
The government further revealed that 32 institutions across the country have been identified as fake universities.
In a written reply to the question of Sanjay Raut regarding misleading advertisements by EdTech platforms, Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar informed that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has noticed that some EdTech companies are giving advertisements for offering degree and diploma programmes in ODL/online modes in association with some universities/institutions recognised/entitled by the UGC.
"UGC issued a public notice informing all students/stakeholders that such franchisee arrangements are not permissible and any such programme/degree does not have recognition of UGC," the Minister stated, adding, "It stated that action will be initiated against defaulting EdTech
companies and higher educational institutions (HEIs) under applicable laws/rules/regulations".
UGC also advised all students/stakeholders through public notice to check the recognition/entitlement status of the programmes on the UGC (DEB) website before enrolling inany course.
"Whenever a complaint is received regarding an unauthorised institution offering degree programmes, the UGC issues a notice informing the institution that it is not authorised to award degrees and seeks its explanation. If the explanation received is unsatisfactory, the institution's name is included in the UGC's list of fake universities," the minister said.
Regarding the functioning of fake universities, the minister said that as per the latest list published in February 2026, 32 institutions have been identified as fake universities.
The list of fake universities is available on the website of UGC at https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/Fakeuniversity.
To curb the menace of fake universities and unauthorised institutions, the Anti-Malpractice Cell (AMPC) was established by the UGC on 30 May 1996.
The AMPC deals with the matters relating to the existence/functioning of fake or unrecognised universities/institutes in the country which are offering programmes/awarding degrees in contravention of the UGC Act 1956.
Further, to bring awareness among students and the general public, the UGC has taken the following steps:
- Issued show cause notices/warning notices/letters to the unauthorised institutes awarding invalid degrees for comments/clarification.
- Periodically published and uploaded the state-wise List of fake universities on the UGC's website. (www.ugc.ac.in).
- Issued public notices, from time to time, on the UGC's website and social media platforms to create awareness among the general public, students, parents, and other stakeholders about fake universities. Advised students to verify the credentials of HEIs through the official UGC's website before applying for admission.
- Requesting all state governments and union territories to take appropriate action against fake universities/institutions operating within their jurisdiction and requesting them to lodge FIRs against such entities, wherever necessary.
