The UGC has objected to some edtech firms promoting online and distance-learning degree and diploma courses in collaboration with universities.
UGC releases list of 32 fake universities, warns students and parents: The University Grants Commission has identified 32 fake universities across the country. The Ministry of Education informed the Rajya Sabha that this institute is not recognized under the UGC Act and do not have the authority to award degrees. In such a situation, students and parents have been advised to check their accreditation before taking admission in any university.
According to Education Minister Dr. Sukant Majumdar, UGC released this list in February 2026. When the commission receives a complaint from an institution which is running a degree program without permission, it first issues a notice to it and asks for an explanation. If the answer is not found satisfactory, then after investigation, the name of that institution is included in the list of fake universities.
According to UGC, maximum 12 fake universities are operating in Delhi. Apart from this, four fake universities have been identified in Uttar Pradesh, while two each in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry and West Bengal. At the same time, one fake university has been identified in Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana and Jharkhand. The Commission has also directed the concerned State Governments and Union Territories to take necessary legal action against these institutions.
The government informed the Rajya Sabha that the UGC has objected to some edtech firms promoting online and distance-learning degree and diploma courses in collaboration with universities. The commission has made it clear that such a franchise model is not allowed and programs run through such a medium will not be recognized by UGC.
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