UGC Fake Universities 2026: Legal Provisions
Explained
The UGC has clarified that these institutions are not recognized by either the Central Government or any State Government.
The official notice references provisions under:
- Section 2(f) of the UGC Act – Defines recognized universities
- Section 3 of the UGC Act – Pertains to institutions deemed to be universities
Any institution that does not satisfy these conditions is not legally authorized to grant degrees. Qualifications issued by fake universities are invalid for employment, competitive examinations, or further academic pursuits.
Delhi Leads the List: State-Wise Number of Fake Universities
Delhi reports the highest number of fake universities in the country. Below is the detailed state-wise distribution:
State/UT | Number of Fake Universities
Delhi: 12
Uttar Pradesh: 4
Andhra Pradesh: 2
Karnataka: 2
Kerala: 2
Maharashtra: 2
Puducherry: 2
West Bengal: 2
Arunachal Pradesh: 1
Haryana: 1
Jharkhand: 1
Rajasthan: 1
This data underlines the pressing need for awareness regarding UGC fake universities 2026.
List of Fake Universities in Delhi (Highest: 12)
Delhi accounts for the largest number of institutions flagged by the UGC:
- World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU)
- Institute of Management and Engineering
- All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences
- Commercial University Ltd.
- United Nations University
- Vocational University
- ADR-Centric Juridical University
- Indian Institute of Science and Engineering
- Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment
- Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya
- National Institute of Management Solution
- Mountain Institute of Management & Technology
Students in Delhi are advised to thoroughly verify institutions through the official UGC website before seeking admission.
Fake Universities in Other Major States
Haryana
- Haryana Magic & Art University – Faridabad
Jharkhand
- Daksha University (Vocational and Life Skill Education) – Ranchi
Karnataka
- Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth – Tumkur
- Global Human Peace University – Bengaluru
Kerala
- International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM) – Kozhikode
- St John’s University – (Kerala)
Maharashtra
- Raja Arabic University – Nagpur
- National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth – Solapur
Puducherry
- Usha Latchumanan College of Education
- Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education
Rajasthan
- Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management – Bhiwadi
Uttar Pradesh
- Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith – Prayagraj
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University) – Aligarh
- Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad – Lucknow
- Mahamaya Technical University – Noida
West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine – Kolkata
- Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research – Kolkata
Other affected states include Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, West Bengal, Haryana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Importance of the UGC Fake Universities 2026 Alert
The presence of fake universities in India has serious implications for students’ careers and financial stability.
Major Risks Include:
- Degrees not valid for government employment
- Disqualification from competitive examinations
- No acceptance for higher education admissions
- Financial losses due to fraudulent admissions
The UGC fake universities 2026 list functions as a protective step to maintain academic standards and safeguard students.
In February 2026, the UGC officially identified 32 institutions across India as fake universities, warning that their degrees are not valid for jobs or higher education. Delhi leads with 12 such institutions, followed by Uttar Pradesh and other states. Students are strongly encouraged to confirm UGC recognition status before taking admission.
