UGC Warning: 22 Fake Universities Operating Without Approval in India – Full List and Details
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh warning to students and parents about 22 fake universities currently operating across India. These institutions have been found to be functioning without approval under the UGC Act, 1956, and are not authorised to award valid degrees.
UGC Flags Unapproved Universities
According to the UGC, these universities have been misleading students by falsely claiming recognition. The latest addition to the list is the Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi, which the Commission confirmed is not recognised under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act, nor established by any Central or State law. Degrees or certificates issued by such institutions are invalid for higher studies or employment.
Delhi has emerged as the biggest hub for fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh. The Commission has released a state-wise list to help students verify institutions before taking admission.
Full List of Fake Universities (Updated October 2025)
Andhra Pradesh
- Christ New Testament Deemed University, #32-32-2003, 7th Lane, Kakumanuvarithoto, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002 and Fit No. 301, Grace Villa Apts., 7/5, Srinagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522002
- 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 – 110008
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
11. World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), No.-201, 2nd Floor, Best Business Park, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura, New Delhi-110034
12. Institute of Management and Engineering, 1810/4, Ist Floor, Kotla Mubarakpur, Delhi
Kerala
13. International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM), Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode, Kerala-673571
14. St. John’s University, Kishanattam, Kerala
Maharashtra
15. Raja Arabic University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Puducherry
16. Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education, No. 186, Thilaspet, Vazhuthavoor Road, Puducherry-605009
Uttar Pradesh
17. Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Prayag, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
18. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), Achaltal, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
19. Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad, Bharat Bhawan, Matiyari Chinhat, Faizabad Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 227105
20. Mahamaya Technical University, PO – Maharishi Nagar, Distt. GB Nagar, Opp. Sec 110, Sector 110, Noida – 201304
West Bengal
21. Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, Kolkata
22. Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research, 8-A, Diamond Harbour Road, Builtech Inn, 2nd Floor, Thakurpurkur, Kolkata – 700063
UGC’s Advisory for Students and Parents
The UGC has reiterated that only universities established through a Central or State Act, or those recognised under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act, are legally permitted to confer degrees. Enrolling in unapproved universities can lead to degrees that are not valid for government jobs, higher education, or professional qualifications.
The Commission urged students and parents to always verify an institution’s recognition status on the official UGC website before taking admission. It also advised caution against misleading advertisements and unverified online claims.
Recognised Institutions for Distance Learning
In a related update, the UGC announced that 101 universities and 20 Category-I institutions have been approved to offer Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes for the 2025–26 academic session. This initiative aims to expand access to quality higher education through legitimate and recognised online platforms.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information published by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as on the date of writing this article. For the official and updated list of fake universities, visit the UGC’s official website. PuneNow is not responsible if the source changes or deletes the information at a later date.

