NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a new public warning urging students, parents, and employers to remain vigilant against three institutions operating illegally as universities without official approval. These are National Institute of Management Solution (NIMS), Delhi; Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, Karnataka; and National Backwards Krushi Vidyapeeth, Maharashtra. According to the UGC, these institutions are offering and awarding degrees without legal authority, violating the UGC Act, 1956. The Commission has clarified that any degree issued by these entities will not be considered valid for further education, government recruitment, or private employment.
In its official notice, the UGC warned that degrees obtained from unrecognised institutions carry no legal standing. Students holding such degrees may face rejection when applying for higher studies or jobs, both in India and abroad. UGC has strongly advised students to verify the recognition status of any college or university before enrolling. Verification can be done through the official UGC website, which maintains an updated list of recognised and fake universities.
National Institute of Management Solution (NIMS), Delhi
The first institution named by the Commission is the National Institute of Management Solution (NIMS), operating in Delhi. Despite its name suggesting a focus on management education, NIMS is not recognised under Section 2(f) or Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
According to the UGC, NIMS does not have the legal authority to award degrees in any field. Students are advised not to enrol, as any qualification issued by NIMS will be treated as invalid and ineligible for academic or professional recognition.
Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, Tumkur, Karnataka
The second institution flagged is Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, located on Devanur Main Road in Tumkur district of Karnataka.
The UGC found that this institution is illegally awarding degrees without any statutory approval. It is not recognised under the UGC Act, 1956, nor does it have approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or any other regulatory authority.
UGC cautioned students that certificates and degrees from this institution are not recognised for further studies or employment, urging them to rely only on approved and accredited universities.
National Backwards Krushi Vidyapeeth, Solapur, Maharashtra
The third name in the UGC’s latest alert is National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth, located in Tadwal village, Akkalkot taluka, Solapur district, Maharashtra.
According to UGC, this institution has been issuing degrees without legal sanction. It lacks recognition under Section 2(f) and Section 3 of the UGC Act and has no affiliation with AICTE or any other statutory council.
Students pursuing courses here are warned that no legitimate university or employer will acknowledge their degrees.
The UGC Act, 1956 is the principal law governing higher education in India. It empowers the University Grants Commission to recognise universities, set academic standards, and ensure quality in teaching and research. Only institutions recognised under Section 2(f) or declared as “deemed-to-be universities” under Section 3 are legally allowed to call themselves universities and award degrees. Any institution functioning without such recognition is considered unauthorised. The Act also authorises UGC to publish public warnings and take disciplinary action against fake or unapproved universities to protect students’ interests.
UGC’s List of Fake Universities
As part of its ongoing campaign to safeguard students, UGC maintains an updated state-wise list of fake universities on its official website. The list highlights institutions that misuse the term “university” despite lacking legal recognition. The Commission periodically updates it to include new cases discovered through inspections or complaints.
The latest list, updated as of December 2025, is available on the UGC’s official portal. UGC officials have urged students and parents to consult this list before taking admission to avoid financial and academic loss.
Why does this warning matter?
Fake universities not only mislead students but also damage the credibility of India’s higher education system. Students often realise the issue only when employers or universities reject their degrees during verification. The UGC’s alert serves as a preventive step, reminding students that “recognition equals protection.” Enrolling in a fake university can result in wasted years, invalid qualifications, and loss of career opportunities.
For aspiring students, the message is clear: always check official recognition, verify accreditation, and choose only those institutions listed on UGC’s approved roster. Students are urged to remain cautious, verify credentials, and ensure their educational journey leads to a legitimate, respected qualification.
