UGC Recognises 20 Universities Fake, Unauthorised To Grant Degrees

The University Grants Commission (UGC) with an aim to protect students from falling into the trap of fraudulent institutions has recognised 20 universities as fake which are not authorised to grant any degrees to students. Among these universities, the highest number (eight) is located in Delhi.

"It has come to the notice of the UGC that a number of institutions are offering degrees in contrary to the provisions of the UGC Act. Degrees awarded by such universities shall neither be recognised nor valid for higher education or employment purpose. These universities are not empowered to confer any degree," a statement by UGC secretary Manish Joshi read.

Delhi has eight "fake" universities - All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences; Commercial University Ltd, Daryaganj; United Nations University; Vocational University; ADR-Centric Juridical University; Indian Institution of Science and Engineering; Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment; and Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), according to the UGC.

Uttar Pradesh has four such universities - Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith; National University of Electro Complex Homeopathy; Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open university); and Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad.

Andhra Pradesh has two universities - Christ New Testament Deemed University, Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O's Colony, Visakhapatnam

Karnataka has one university - Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Gokak, Belgaum

Kerala has one university - St. John's University, Kishanattam
Maharashtra has one university - Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Puducherry has one university - Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education

West Bengal has two universities - Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata, Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Diamond Harbour Road, Builtech inn, Thakurpurkur

Last year, the UGC released a list of 21 universities that it identified as "fake." Several of the universities have found their place on the list this year as well. According to the UGC, universities are authorized to grant degrees only if they are established under a Central, State/Provincial Act, or if they are recognized as deemed-to-be universities.

In addition to this, institutions specifically empowered by an Act of Parliament also have the privilege to confer degrees to students. This ensures that degree-granting institutions have the necessary legal backing and authorization to maintain academic standards and offer legitimate qualifications to their students.