UGC Names 32 Fake Universities, Centre Orders States to File FIRs
The Central Government has directed all states and Union Territories to initiate legal action against 32 fake universities identified by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The direction was communicated in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar, who stated that the list of self-styled institutions was published by the UGC in February 2026.
The government has instructed state authorities to ensure the closure of these institutions and to take action against individuals misleading students by awarding unauthorised degrees. States have also been asked to report any other fake universities operating in their jurisdictions that are not included in the UGC's current list.
According to the Ministry of Education, the UGC has already undertaken several steps against these self-styled institutions. These include issuing clarification letters, compliance notices, show-cause notices and warning notices. The commission has also published public notices on its official website to alert students and parents against taking admission to such institutions.
The Centre has written to Chief Secretaries, Education Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of the concerned states and Union Territories, asking them to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, including the registration of FIRs against institutions operating in violation of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.
The state-wise distribution of identified fake universities shows Delhi with the highest number at 12, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 4. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry and West Bengal each have 2, while Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand and Rajasthan have one each.
The government has urged states and Union Territories to shut down institutions falsely presenting themselves as universities and awarding unauthorised degrees. Authorities have been asked to take action against individuals involved in misleading and cheating students by using the term 'University' without legal recognition.
Additionally, the Centre has requested state governments to inform the UGC if any other fake universities are operating in their regions but are not part of the commission's latest list. The official list of fake universities is available on the UGC website for public reference.
