UGC flags 22 fake universities across India; Delhi tops with 10 unrecognized institutions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a new list naming 22 fake universities operating across India by October 2025. These institutions are awarding degrees without recognition, thereby rendering all the qualifications issued by them under the UGC Act invalid. UGC has advised students to verify the authenticity of the institutions before taking admission. Here are the state-wise details of areas in India with the highest number of fake universities:

1. Delhi – 10 fake universities

The national capital leads the list, where 10 institutions are falsely claiming university status. UGC has expressed serious concern over the large number of unrecognized institutions running in Delhi.

List of fake universities in Delhi:

• All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences (AIPHS) State Government University, Alipore
• Commercial University Limited, Daryaganj
• United Nations University
• vocational university
• ADR-Centric Juridical University, Rajendra Place
• Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi
• Vishwakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Sanjay Enclave
• Spiritual University, Rohini
• World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura
• Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur

The UGC has specifically warned students against taking admission in management and engineering institutes running unauthorized degree programs in violation of Section 22 of the UGC Act.

2. Uttar Pradesh – 4 fake universities

Uttar Pradesh is at second place with four universities declared fake. UGC has urged students in the state to take extra precautions before enrolling.

List of fake universities in Uttar Pradesh:

• Gandhi Hindi Vidyapeeth, Prayag, Allahabad
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Aligarh
• Indian Council of Education, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari, Lucknow
• Mahamaya Technical University, Noida

3. Andhra Pradesh – 2 Fake Universities

There are two unrecognized universities in Andhra Pradesh which are wrongly claiming deemed or open status.

List of Fake Universities in Andhra Pradesh:

• Christ New Testament Deemed University, Guntur
• Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam

4. Kerala – 2 fake universities

Kerala is next on the list, home to two fake institutions, both of which do not have valid UGC approval.

List of Fake Universities in Kerala:

• International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kozhikode
• St. John’s University, Kishanattam

5. West Bengal – 2 Fake Universities

West Bengal also has two unrecognized universities running without any legal status.

List of Fake Universities in West Bengal:

• Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
• Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, Thakurpukur, Kolkata

6. Maharashtra – 1 fake university

• Raja Arabi University, Nagpur

7. Puducherry – 1 Fake University

• Sri Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, Thilaspet, Vazhutavur Road

What did UGC say?

UGC clarified that these institutions are not established under any Central or State Act, nor are they recognized under Section 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

The Commission has urged students to verify the recognition status of universities through the official UGC website before applying.