The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released its latest state-wise list of fake universities operating in India without legal recognition under the UGC Act, 1956. Degrees from these institutions are invalid for jobs, higher education, government exams, PSU appointments, or foreign study.
UGC issued the list to protect students and parents from fraudulent institutions that misrepresent themselves as legitimate universities when they are not authorised to award degrees.
What Is a “Fake University”?
A fake university is an institution that:
- Claims to be a university but is not established under Central or State Act
- Has no recognition from UGC
- Cannot legally award degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956
Degrees from these institutions hold no academic, professional, or legal value.
Why Students Must Check UGC Recognition
UGC recognises only those universities that:
- Are established by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislative Act, or
- Are declared “Deemed to be University” under Section 3 of the UGC Act, or
- Are specially empowered by Parliament to award degrees.
If a university is not on the recognised list but appears on a fake list, students should avoid enrolling there. Always verify at the official UGC website.
Latest State-Wise List of Fake Universities (Official UGC 2026)
As per the official UGC fake university list updated in February 2026, here are the institutions declared fake and unauthorised to grant valid degrees:
Andhra Pradesh
- Christ New Testament Deemed University, Guntur
- Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam
Arunachal Pradesh
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Secretariat S.O.
Delhi
- World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura
- Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS), Alipur
- Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj
- United Nations University
- Vocational University
- ADR-Centric Juridical University
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
- Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment
- Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University)
Haryana
- Magic & Art University, Faridabad
Jharkhand
- Daksha University (Vocational and Life Skill Education), Ranchi
Karnataka
- Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, Tumkur
- Global Human Peace University, Bengaluru
Kerala
- International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kozhikode
- St. John’s University, Kishanattam
Maharashtra
- Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
- National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth, Solapur
New Delhi (Separate Entries)
- National Institute of Management Solution, Janakpuri
- Mountain Institute of Management & Technology, Nehru Place
Puducherry
- Usha Latchumanan College of Education, Thillaspet
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Vazhuthavoor Road
Rajasthan
- Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, Bhiwadi
Uttar Pradesh
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Lucknow
- Mahamaya Technical University, Noida
West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Kolkata
(This list reflects the official UGC fake universities register as on February 2026.)
Key Insights From Media Reports
- Delhi has the highest number of fake institutions on the list, followed by Uttar Pradesh.
- These institutions often look and sound legitimate but lack UGC approval.
- Students enrolled in such universities risk losing years of time, money, and career opportunities.
How to Verify a University Before Admission
Always check:
- If the university is listed under UGC Recognised Universities
- Whether it appears under Fake Universities on the UGC official site
- If the programme you want to study is valid and backed by UGC
UGC’s official lists can be found on its website under the Fake Universities section.
What Happens If You Study at a Fake University?
Degrees from fake universities:
- Are not valid for government jobs
- Are not recognised for higher education or competitive exams
- Cannot be used for visa applications abroad
- Will be rejected by employers and academic institutions
Students may face significant consequences, including financial loss and wasted academic years.
Final Word
The UGC fake university list is a critical resource for students, parents, and counsellors. Always check a university’s recognition status before enrolling. If in doubt, consult the official UGC website and avoid any institution listed under “Fake Universities”.
If you want to enroll in an UGC-Approved Online MBA program, here is the list of top 20 UGC-Approved Online MBA Programs in India.