How To Spot Fake Universities? UGC Lists Guidelines – News18

Last Updated:May 05, 2025, 17:44 IST

These “fake universities” mimic real universities in name, use polished websites to appear legitimate, and advertise unrealistically high packages to lure unsuspecting families.

Every year, the University Grants Commission (UGC) releases a list of “fake universities” – institutions that claim to offer degrees but are not recognised under the law. Yet, despite repeated warnings, hundreds of students continue to fall into the trap, lured by glossy promises: 100% placements, six-figure salaries, and fast-track degrees. What they end up with, however, is not a career launchpad but a worthless piece of paper that holds no value for jobs or higher education.

With board exam results being declared and college admissions around the corner, this is a crucial time for students – and also a peak season for fraudulent institutions. According to the UGC’s 2025 list of fake universities, over 20 such entities continue to operate within the country, offering bogus degrees and fake promises. The full list is available on http://www.ugc.ac.in, and students are strongly advised to cross-check before applying anywhere.

These unrecognised institutions often mimic real universities in name, use polished websites to appear legitimate, and advertise unrealistically high packages to lure unsuspecting families. “They said the average salary package was Rs 10 lakh per annum,” said Ankit, a student from Bihar who enrolled in one such institute. “But after three years, there was no placement, and my degree isn’t even recognised. I lost precious time and money.”

How to Recognise A Fake University

1. Check UGC and AICTE Recognition

Before you even consider applying, verify the university’s recognition status on the UGC’s official website. For technical or management courses, consult the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), and for medical courses, check with the National Medical Commission (NMC). These regulatory bodies maintain up-to-date lists of recognised institutions.

2. Scrutinise the Website

A genuine university’s website is usually hosted on domains like .ac.in or .edu.in. If the site uses a .com or .org domain, or if the design is sloppy and filled with grammatical errors or stock photos, it’s a major red flag. Transparency is key – course details, faculty profiles, and contact information should be clearly available.

3. Visit (or Virtually Tour) the Campus

Use Google Maps to locate the address of the institution. A legitimate college will have a functioning campus, verifiable phone numbers, and a physical presence. If all you find is a rented office or a PO box, you may be dealing with a fraud.

4. Verify the Accreditation

Don’t just trust the accreditation claims on the website. Many fake universities invent their own accreditation bodies – sounding official but entirely fabricated. Always confirm accreditation through trusted bodies like NAAC or the official UGC and AICTE portals.

5. Talk to Students and Alumni

Real colleges have a visible student and alumni footprint. Look them up on LinkedIn, Facebook, or student forums. If you can’t find any former students – or only come across suspiciously glowing testimonials – be skeptical.

6. Evaluate the Admission Process

Does the institute admit anyone without an entrance test, irrespective of marks? Are degrees offered in return for a lump-sum payment? These are classic hallmarks of fake institutions. Real universities follow transparent, merit-based admission procedures.

7. Examine the Faculty and Courses

Reputable institutions proudly display the qualifications and research work of their faculty members. A lack of such information, or faculty with no digital footprint, is another warning sign. A vague or poorly structured course syllabus should also raise eyebrows.

8. Look for Online Reviews and Complaints

Search the college name along with keywords like “fake,” “scam,” or “fraud” on Google or platforms like Quora and Reddit. While every institution may have a few disgruntled students, a pattern of complaints is cause for concern.

9. Use Government Platforms

Services like the National Academic Depository (NAD) or DigiLocker allow you to verify the legitimacy of degrees issued by recognised institutions. The Ministry of Education and state education departments also maintain public databases of registered colleges.

10. Hire a Verification Service if in Doubt

If you’re considering admission abroad or still unsure, use a third-party verification service like Qualification Check or the National Student Clearinghouse (for US institutions). These come with a fee but can save years of regret.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Instant admission or “limited seats” pressure tactics
• No entrance exams or eligibility checks
• Too-good-to-be-true packages like Rs 20 lakh CTC for freshers
• No physical campus or unverifiable location
• One-time payment schemes for entire degrees

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you discover that an institute is fake, report it immediately to the UGC, AICTE, or local police. The UGC has provisions to take action against such institutions, but student vigilance remains the first and strongest line of defence.

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