The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified several institutions that are offering degrees in violation of the UGC Act. The UGC has published an annual list of “fake colleges,” totalling 20 colleges categorized by state. This initiative aims to raise awareness among students and parents regarding colleges that lack the authority to confer valid degrees.
The Role and Significance of India’s University Grants Commission (UGC)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a government-established organization in India, founded under the University Grants Commission Act of 1956. Its primary role is to oversee and coordinate higher education in the country. Key functions of the UGC include providing financial support to universities and colleges, recognizing and maintaining quality standards in higher education institutions, monitoring and evaluating their performance, promoting research and innovation, contributing to educational planning and policy, and offering grants for various special programs. Essentially, the UGC plays a pivotal role in regulating and funding higher education in India to ensure quality and excellence across universities and colleges.
As per the official press release, the UGC noticed that numerous institutions were granting degrees in contravention of the UGC Act of 1956. It was emphasized that degrees awarded by such universities or institutions would not be acknowledged or considered valid for pursuing higher education or employment opportunities.
20 Fake Colleges Exposed Across Multiple States in India
The list of 20 fake colleges spans across various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Delhi has the highest number, with eight fake colleges on the list. These include institutions like the All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences, Commercial University Ltd, United Nations University, Vocational University, ADR-Centric Juridical University, Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, and Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya.
Officials have urged students and parents to consult the UGC website to access information about recognized institutions and to verify the authenticity of institutions before enrolling in higher education programs
