The University Grants Commission (UGC) released an updated list on February 23, 2026, identifying 32 unauthorized institutions operating as universities across 12 states and Union territories in India. Delhi has the highest concentration of these institutions, with 12 flagged as fake.
The UGC, a statutory body under the Union Ministry of Education, warns students and parents that degrees conferred by these institutions hold no legal validity and cannot be used for employment, government services, or further education. The commission is sharing a state-wise list of these institutions for the benefit of prospective students.
Delhi
| University Name |
| 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, Novel Delhi – 110 008 |
| 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
| University Name |
| Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh |
| Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 227 105 |
| Mahamaya Technical University, PO – Maharishi Nagar, Sector 110, Noida – 201304 |
Four states – Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh – have been newly added to the list this year.
According to the UGC Act of 1956, only universities established by an Act of Parliament or state legislature, or those designated as “deemed to be a university,” are legally authorized to award degrees. The UGC has communicated with higher education departments and principal secretaries in the relevant states, requesting appropriate legal action against these unauthorized institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UGC’s role in this matter?
The UGC is a statutory body responsible for coordinating, determining, and maintaining standards of higher education in India. It has released a list of unauthorized institutions and warned against the validity of degrees awarded by them.
Which states have the most fake universities?
As of February 2026, Delhi has the highest concentration of unauthorized institutions, with 12 identified by the UGC. A total of 32 institutions have been flagged across 12 states and Union territories.
What should students do if they suspect an institution is not recognized?
Students should verify the UGC’s list of recognized universities to ensure the institution they are considering is legitimate. Degrees from unrecognized institutions carry no legal validity.
How can prospective students protect themselves from enrolling in these unrecognized institutions?
