UGC Lists 22 Fake Universities Functioning Illegally in India; Check State-Wise Name Here

On October 27, 2025, the UGC published a state-wise list of 22 institutions that are not authorised to confer degrees under the UGC Act, 1956. These entities are neither established under a Central or State Act nor recognised under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act, rendering any qualification from them academically and professionally invalid.

One highlighted case is the Institute of Management and Engineering in Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi, which the UGC specifically flagged for offering unrecognised engineering degrees. The list shows Delhi having the highest number of fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh, signalling a pressing concern for students selecting institutions in these states.

State Wise List of Flagged Fake Universities by UGC

Here is a summary of the state-wise breakdown of the fake universities as per the UGC notice:

• Delhi (10 institutions): All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS), Commercial University Ltd. (Daryaganj), United Nations University (Delhi), Institute of Management and Engineering (Kotla Mubarakpur) among others.
• Uttar Pradesh (4 institutions): Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith (Prayag), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open) (Aligarh), Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad (Lucknow), Mahamaya Technical University (Noida)
• Andhra Pradesh (2 institutions): Christ New Testament Deemed University (Guntur) and Bible Open University of India (Visakhapatnam)
• West Bengal (2 institutions): Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine (Kolkata) and Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research (Diamond Harbour Road, Kolkata)
• Maharashtra (1 institution): Raja Arabic University (Nagpur)
• Puducherry (1 institution): Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education (Thilaspet Road)
• Kerala (2 institutions): International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode) and St. John’s University (Kishanattam) (Kishanattam)

What Students Must do Before Taking Admission?

• Degrees from institutions not recognised by the UGC are invalid for academic progression or professional employment.
• Real universities must be recognised under the UGC Act and, for technical courses, also approved by bodies like All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
• Students should verify any university’s recognition by checking the lists published on the UGC website.
• Warning signs of a fake university: overly grandiose name, no proper campus address, admission assurances without eligibility check, pushing admissions fee-first, these are often red flags.

Also Read: List of UGC Approved Education Colleges in India Based on 2025 Ranking