UGC Flags 3 Fake Universities in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi

The University Grants Commission has identified three more institutions operating illegally as “fake universities” in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi, warning that degrees issued by these entities are invalid for higher education and government employment.

In an official notification, the higher education regulator cautioned students, parents and educators against seeking admission to these institutions, stating that they are functioning in violation of the UGC Act, 1956 and lack legal authority to award degrees or diplomas.

The newly flagged institutions include National Backward Krushi Vidypeeth in Solapur district of Maharashtra, Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth in Tumkur district of Karnataka, and the National Institute of Management Solution (NIMS) in Janakpuri, New Delhi. All three have now been added to the UGC’s official list of fake universities.

According to the Commission, National Backward Krushi Vidypeeth is neither recognised under Section 2(f) nor declared a university under Section 3 of the UGC Act. It is also not approved by the All India Council for Technical Education or any other statutory authority, making all degrees awarded by it illegal.

Similarly, Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth has been accused of issuing degrees without statutory approval. The UGC clarified that the institution is not authorised to award any academic qualification in India.

The regulator issued a strong warning against Delhi-based NIMS, stating that it is not recognised by the UGC and is not permitted to admit students to any undergraduate or postgraduate programme, either independently or on behalf of any other university. Degrees already issued by the institute have been declared invalid.

The UGC reiterated that enrolling in unrecognised institutions can severely damage students’ academic and professional prospects. It urged candidates to verify the recognition status of universities before taking admission.

This announcement follows the UGC’s recent disclosure of 22 fake universities across the country, with Delhi accounting for the highest number. Students have been advised to regularly check the official UGC website for updated lists of recognised institutions.