UGC cautions students to fact-check institutes before taking admissions: Delhi, with eight unrecognized institutes, has the maximum number on the list of 20 ‘fake’ universities in India recently published by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Universities from West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh are also included on the list. Despite the UGC publishing the list of “fake universities” twice annually, a number of new institutions continue to appear.
Manish Ratnakar Joshi, secretary of the UGC, states, “This matter is under continuous surveillance. We initially inquire about the institute in question and verify the information in accordance with the complaints. We deem the institute to be fraudulent solely upon discovering that it operates with illegitimate intentions. The list of fraudulent universities is made public in order to warn students about these institutions.
When asked whether the UGC has implemented any enforcement actions thus far, he responds, “Our legal authority does not permit us to do so.” We notify the relevant state government authorities, given their authority to take action.” In a letter to the departments of higher education and principal secretaries of state governments, the UGC has urged them to take appropriate action against the fraudulent institutions in their respective states.
“In 2017, there were eight fake institutes in Uttar Pradesh, however, after the UGC informed the state government, they pulled down five of such unauthorised institutes,” according to him.
UGC cautions students to fact-check institutes before taking admissions: Act of UGC 1956
The UGC Act of 1956 stipulates that in order for a university to confer degrees on its students, it must have been established in accordance with a Central Provincial or State Act. The word ‘university’ may only be used in the name of institutes established under the Central/State/Provincial Act, as defined in Section 23 of the UGC Act.
The UGC informed these 20 universities in a letter that they are included on the list of “fake universities” because they do not qualify as “universities” as defined in Section 2(f) or Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Instead, they are involved in the business of degree conferral or “use the word university with its name to defraud and cheat innocent students by awarding fake degrees.”
When inquired whether these fraudulent universities are still operational following their identification, he responds, “We have no mechanism to determine whether the unrecognized institute is still operating or not until the UGC receives a response from the State authorities regarding whether or not they have shut down the institute.”
In the interim, Uma Shankar, principal secretary of higher education in Karnataka, asserts, “The ‘fake’ institute referred to as the Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society does not exist in Karnataka,” adding that the UGC has not yet informed the state government of this.
Additionally, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) provides guidance to students regarding the prevention of fraudulent admissions to unapproved institutions. An apex advisory body at the national level undertakes surveys of institutions that provide technical education, whereas the UGC conducts surveys of non-technical institutes.
Former AICTE vice-chairman MP Poonia states, “We notify state authorities and the police to take action against any technical institute that is established without the advisory body’s consent.” He asserts that while extremely uncommon, few institutions have previously engaged in such fraudulent activities in the name of autonomy.
List publication twice
“The list is published biannually to deter students from enrolling in fraudulent educational institutions.” “Online/ODL PhD and technical courses are not feasible in any way,” Joshi explains, adding that the UGC’s role is limited to raising awareness. Despite the explicit mention of precautions pertaining to online/open and distance learning (ODL) courses, students frequently find themselves ensnared in WhatsApp conversations.
Following Delhi in terms of student population, Joshi asserts that Delhi is at the top of the list. “The prevalent cyber fraud in Delhi makes it a hub to dupe students into taking admissions to unrecognised institutes,” says Joshi. Acquiring a degree from an unrecognized university will not confer academic recognition, potentially impeding the pursuit of advanced studies. It could also render them ineligible for employment where a bachelor’s degree is required. Students who enroll in illegitimate universities may also be squandering their financial and time resources.
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Verifying the legitimacy of a university
Students must enroll in courses that satisfy fundamental academic requirements. It is critical that students verify whether or not the university has obtained a government license. The absence of a license at a university renders its degrees and diplomas invalid. Students are required to consult the institute’s official website in order to obtain information regarding its history, mission statement, curriculum, and more. Sincere institutions are the only ones that disclose information regarding themselves. Additionally, students should determine whether the university is affiliated with a UGC, MHRD, or MCI-recognized institution.
