The University Grants Commission (UGC) which is the official body that regulates universities in India has found 22 institutions that are calling themselves “universities” but are not legally recognized.
These universities are prohibited from awarding degrees because they lack UGC approval. In other words:
There is no academic or legal merit to any degree or certificate you receive from them. It cannot be used for government exams, employment, or further education.
In essence, these universities are fraudulent or unapproved.
So, the UGC is warning students and parents to check if a university is recognized before enrolling, to avoid getting scammed.
Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have the most fake universities.
State-Wise Fake University List
Delhi
All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS) State Government University
Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj, Delhi
United Nations University, Delhi
Vocational University, Delhi
ADR-Centric Juridical University, ADR House, 8J, Gopala Tower, 25 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi
Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Rozgar Sewasadan, 672, Sanjay Enclave, Opp. GTK Depot, Delhi-110033
Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), Rithala, Rohini, Delhi-110085
World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura, New Delhi-110034
Institute of Management and Engineering, 1810/4, Ist Floor, Kotla Mubarakpur
Uttar Pradesh
11. Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad
12. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh
13. Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow – 227105
14. Mahamaya Technical University, PO – Maharishi Nagar, Sector 110, Noida – 201304
Andhra Pradesh
15. Christ New Testament Deemed University
16. Bible Open University of India, H.No. 49-35-26, N.G.O’s Colony, Visakhapatnam – 530016
West Bengal
17. Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
18. Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, 8-A, Diamond Harbour Road
Maharashtra
19. Raja Arabic University, Nagpur
Puducherry
20. Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road – 605009
Kerala
21. International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kunnamangalam Kozhikode
22. St. John’s University, Kishanattam
On the other hand, for the academic year 2025–2026, which is scheduled to start in July or August, the UGC has authorized 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions to provide open and remote learning (ODL) programs.