India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) has published an updated list of 20 fake Indian universities. These institutions are called fake because they have not been approved by the Indian higher education regulator, the UGC, and they therefore lack legitimacy to operate and grant degrees.

The majority of institutions on the list also appeared in the previous UGC list of fake universities, published in 2022. Delhi continues to have highest number of fake universities, making up 40 per cent of the institutions on the new list, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 20 per cent. 

British Council comments

Every year, UGC India issues a list of fake universities in India as part of its quality monitoring, in order to maintain the integrity of the country’s higher education institutions.  With this, it also aims to create awareness and protect the interests of students, parents, and communities from the risk of enrolling in a fake university. The so-called degrees awarded by these institutions are neither recognised nor valid for pursuing further education or employment.  

It also highlights the potential risks for UK universities in recruiting students from these institutions or developing academic or research links with such institutions.  We advise that the UK HEIs keep themselves informed about the list, which is available on the UGC website, and consult it when considering decisions on partnerships and student recruitment. 

References: 

https://www.ugc.gov.in/page/Fake-Universities.aspx

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/ugc-releases-list-of-fake-universities-8-from-delhi-check-all-20-here/articleshow/102386512.cms

https://www.livemint.com/education/news/ugc-declares-20-universities-as-fake-delhi-up-top-the-list-11690983114896.html