UGC Fake University List 2026: How to Check Before You Pay

Status as of 27 September 2026 · Source: UGC’s own published list, last updated per UGC · Always verify on ugc.gov.in directly, not on this page

Quick answer

UGC’s most recent public notice lists 32 institutions across India as fake universities — up from 21 two years earlier — with 12 of them in Delhi. These institutions are not empowered to award degrees under the UGC Act; a degree from one of them is not valid for a job or further study. Check the current list yourself at ugc.gov.in before you pay any fee to an unfamiliar university.

We do not reproduce the list here. UGC updates it, and a name can be added or clarified between our updates. Always check the live list at the official link below — never a third-party copy, including this page.

How to check

Go to the official UGC page: ugc.gov.in — HEIs violating regulations.
Search the current list for the exact name of the university, not an abbreviation or a similar-sounding name.
If the name does not appear, that alone does not confirm legitimacy — separately confirm the university is UGC-recognised via the main UGC site.
For an AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM institute rather than a university programme, use the AICTE approval check instead — UGC’s fake-university list covers universities, not AICTE-approved standalone institutes.

What being on the list means

UGC states these institutions function in violation of Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act and are not empowered to award degrees. A degree from a listed institution is not valid for employment or further study. UGC’s most recent public update named 32 such institutions, with the largest single concentration — 12 — in Delhi.

Frequently asked questions

How many fake universities are on the UGC list?

UGC’s most recent public notice named 32 institutions. Always check the live list at ugc.gov.in, since it is updated periodically.

Which state has the most fake universities?

Delhi has the largest single concentration in the most recent notice, with 12 named institutions.

Is a degree from a fake university valid?

No. UGC states these institutions are not empowered to award degrees, and such degrees are not valid for employment or further education.

Does the UGC fake-university list cover MBA/PGDM colleges?

Not directly — it covers universities. For an AICTE-approved MBA or PGDM institute, use the AICTE approval check instead.

Sources & methodology

This page explains how to check; it deliberately does not reproduce UGC’s list, which changes over time.