UGC Fake Universities List 2026 Out, Check Name Here

The UGC Fake Universities List 2026 has been officially released, and it carries a serious warning for students across India. The University Grants Commission has identified 32 institutions operating as fake universities. These institutions are not recognised by the Central or any State Government, and degrees issued by them are invalid for jobs or higher studies.

Delhi tops the list with the highest number of such institutions. The announcement serves as a strong reminder for students to verify recognition status before applying for admission anywhere.

UGC Fake Universities List 2026 Out

In February 2026, the UGC issued a public notice declaring 32 institutions across multiple states as fake. According to the Commission, these institutions are functioning in violation of Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act. They do not have the authority to award degrees.

Any degree, diploma, or certificate issued by these entities will not be considered valid for government jobs, private employment, or further education. Students and parents are advised to check the official UGC website before finalising admission.

Delhi Records the Highest Number of Fake Universities

Delhi has the highest number of fake universities in India, with 12 institutions flagged by UGC. Uttar Pradesh follows with four institutions, while several other states also have one or two such entities.

This trend highlights the need for increased awareness among students, especially in metropolitan regions where institutions often operate under misleading names.

State-Wise Number of Fake Universities (February 2026)

Here is the state-wise count of institutions declared fake:

• Delhi – 12
• Uttar Pradesh – 4
• Andhra Pradesh – 2
• Karnataka – 2
• Kerala – 2
• Maharashtra – 2
• Puducherry – 2
• West Bengal – 2
• Arunachal Pradesh – 1
• Haryana – 1
• Jharkhand – 1
• Rajasthan – 1

Complete State-Wise UGC Fake Universities List 2026

Below is the detailed list of institutions declared fake as of February 2026:

Why UGC Declares Universities as Fake

The UGC takes action when institutions operate without proper approval or falsely claim university status. Only institutions recognised under the UGC Act are legally allowed to award degrees.

If a university is not listed under Section 2(f) or declared under Section 3 of the Act, it cannot grant valid degrees. Enrolling in such institutions can result in financial loss and academic setbacks.

How to Verify a University’s Recognition Status

Before applying for admission, follow these steps:

• Visit the official UGC website.
• Check the list of recognised universities under Section 2(f) and 12(B).
• Look for “Deemed to be Universities” approved by UGC.
• Avoid institutions making exaggerated claims or offering instant degrees.
• Taking a few minutes to verify can protect your academic future.

What Happens If You Study in a Fake University?

Studying in a fake university can seriously damage your academic and professional future. Since these institutions are not recognised by the University Grants Commission, the degrees they issue hold no legal value. This means your qualification may be rejected at every critical stage, whether you are applying for a job or planning higher studies. In many cases, students are forced to begin their education again from a recognised institution, leading to a significant loss of time, money, and career momentum. Choosing the wrong institution can set you back by years. Always verify recognition before taking admission. Degrees from fake universities are not accepted by:

• Government recruitment agencies
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
• Recognised private employers
• Other universities for postgraduate or doctoral admissions