UGC warns students against misleading EdTech platforms and fake universities
UGC has cautioned students against enrolling in unauthorised online degree programmes promoted by EdTech firms and urged them to verify course recognition before admission.
UGC has advised prospective students to verify the recognition and entitlement status of online and distance learning programmes on the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website before taking admission to any course.
NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has warned students against misleading advertisements by some EdTech platforms promoting degree and diploma programmes in online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modes in association with recognised universities, stating that such franchisee arrangements are not permitted under its regulations.
According to the UGC, some EdTech companies have been advertising online and ODL programmes through newspapers, television and social media in collaboration with universities and higher educational institutions recognised by the Commission. However, UGC clarified that such franchisee arrangements are not permissible and degrees offered under these arrangements do not have its recognition.
The Commission said it has issued a public notice cautioning students and other stakeholders and warned that action will be initiated against defaulting EdTech companies and higher educational institutions under the applicable laws, rules and regulations.
UGC has advised prospective students to verify the recognition and entitlement status of online and distance learning programmes on the UGC Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website before taking admission to any course.
The Commission also said it continues to act against unauthorised institutions awarding degrees without approval. Whenever complaints are received, notices are issued to such institutions seeking explanations. If the responses are found unsatisfactory, the institutions are included in the UGC’s list of fake universities.
As per the latest list published in February 2026, UGC has identified 32 fake universities operating across the country. The Commission has made the list publicly available on its website to help students identify unauthorised institutions.
To combat fake universities and unrecognised institutions, UGC established the Anti-Mal-Practice Cell (AMPC) in May 1996. The cell monitors institutions offering unauthorised programmes or awarding degrees in violation of the UGC Act, 1956.
The Commission has also taken several awareness measures, including issuing show-cause and warning notices to unauthorised institutions, periodically publishing state-wise lists of fake universities, releasing public advisories through its website and social media platforms, and urging students to verify the credentials of higher educational institutions before seeking admission.
In addition, UGC has requested state governments and Union Territories to initiate appropriate action against fake universities operating within their jurisdictions and to lodge FIRs wherever necessary.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
