The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken strict action against illegal institutions posing as universities by closing down 12 fake universities since 2014, as confirmed by Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education. This response came in the form of a written reply to a query raised by Y.S. Avinash Reddy, a Member of Parliament from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, who questioned the UGC’s efforts in addressing the proliferation of fake universities, particularly in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
According to the Ministry of Education, the UGC currently recognises 21 institutions as fake universities, which have been illegally awarding degrees and using the term “university” in their names. These institutions are not authorised to confer degrees and pose significant risks to students, who are often misled into enrolling for programs that lack accreditation. The ministry’s response emphasises that the responsibility for maintaining law and order, including the closure of such fraudulent institutions, lies with the state governments.
To combat this growing issue, the union government has reached out to the chief secretaries of all state governments and union territories (UTs), requesting that they take necessary legal action. This includes closing down these institutions and prosecuting those responsible for defrauding students. The UGC has further urged state governments to report any other institutions operating as fake universities, which may not yet be included in the UGC’s official list.
To combat the growing issue of fake universities, the government and the University Grants Commission have implemented several proactive measures to protect students from being misled. One of the key steps taken is the launch of public awareness campaigns. The UGC frequently issues public notices through various channels, such as social media, its official website, and other media platforms, to educate the public about the existence of fake universities and their fraudulent activities. These campaigns aim to inform students and the general public about the risks of enrolling in unrecognised institutions.
Alongside awareness efforts, legal actions have been taken against these illegal entities. FIRs (First Information Reports) have been lodged against several self-styled universities and institutes involved in unlawful practices. In addition, show-cause notices and warnings have been issued to unauthorised institutions that continue to operate and issue invalid degrees. Transparency is another significant measure in the fight against fake universities.
The UGC maintains an updated webpage listing all recognised fake universities in India, which is accessible to the public. This platform allows students to verify the legitimacy of institutions before making any enrollment decisions, ensuring they make informed choices regarding their education.
The Ministry of Education’s actions are aimed at protecting the students from the consequences of enrolling in such illegal institutions. Fake universities not only jeopardise students’ futures by awarding unrecognised degrees but also contribute to a rise in educational fraud across the country. Thus, by actively pursuing legal action and raising awareness, the government hopes to discourage the establishment of such fraudulent institutions and uphold the credibility of the education system. Although the power to shut down such universities lies with state governments, the UGC and the central government are actively working together to monitor and address the issue. Their efforts aim to protect students from falling prey to fraudulent institutions and to uphold the credibility of India’s higher education system. To ensure transparency, the UGC regularly updates a list of fake universities, which is accessible online. This allows students and parents to verify an institution’s legitimacy before seeking admission, helping them make informed educational choices.
