On Monday, Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, asked Members of Parliament (MPs) to help spread awareness about 21 fake universities operating in India. He also urged them to warn students not to enrol in these unrecognised institutions. This request was made during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha.

Majumdar stated that the central government had asked the chief secretaries of states and Union Territories to take legal steps to shut down such institutions. “I appeal to MPs, especially those active on social media, to publicise the list of fake universities and prevent students from falling prey to their spurious claims,” he said. Majumdar pointed out that state governments were also directed to take action against institutions that mistakenly pose as universities, provide erroneous degrees, or misuse the word "university" in their names. The minister emphasised the significance of state participation in resolving the issue by stating that "if we take direct action, there will be questions on federalism." 

The minister announced that between 2014 and 2024, 12 fake universities were closed. FIRs were filed against many of these institutions, and others were given show cause or warning notices for giving out invalid degrees. Majumdar also asked states and Union Territories to report any additional unrecognised institutions operating inside their borders to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the federal government. “Efforts are being made to ensure students are not deceived. These universities lack recognition, and the degrees they issue are invalid,” he said.

UGC list of fake universities

The UGC maintains a list of fake universities on its website. These are:

Andhra Pradesh

1. Christ New Testament Deemed University, #32-32-2003, 7th Lane, Kakumanuvarithoto, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002

Another Address: Fit No. 301, Grace Villa Apts., 7/5, Srinagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002

2. Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530016

Delhi

3. All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University, Office Kh. No. 608-609, 1st Floor, Sant Kripal Singh Public Trust Building, Near BDO Office, Alipur, Delhi-110036

4. Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi

5. United Nations University, Delhi

6. Vocational University, Delhi

7. ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place, New Delhi - 110 008

8. Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi

9. Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Rozgar Sewasadan, 672, Sanjay Enclave, Opp. GTK Depot, Delhi-110033

10. Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), 351-352, Phase-I, Block-A, Vijay Vihar, Rithala, Rohini, Delhi-110085

Karnataka

11. Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, Gokak, Belgaum, Karnataka

Kerala

12. St John’s University, Kishanattam, Kerala

13. International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kunnamangalam Kozhikode, Kerala-673571

Maharashtra

14. Raja Arabic University, Nagpur, Maharashtra

Puducherry

15. Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry-605009

Uttar Pradesh

16. Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

17. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

18. Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 227 105

19. Mahamaya Technical University, PO - Maharishi Nagar, Distt. Gb Nagar, Opp. Sec 110, Sector 110, Noida - 201304

West Bengal

10. Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkatta

11. Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, 8-A, Diamond Harbour Road, Builtech Inn, 2nd Floor, Thakurpurkur, Kolkatta - 700063