The University Grants Commission has flagged 32 institutions as fake universities in its 2026 list, and warned students to check before taking admission.

The list, published in February 2026, names self-styled institutions operating in violation of the UGC Act, 1956. Delhi accounts for 12 of them, followed by Uttar Pradesh with four. Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh appear on the list for the first time.

Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar shared the details in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The Centre has asked states and Union Territories to take legal action, including filing FIRs against the institutions.

In a fresh advisory this month, the UGC also warned against enrolling in online and distance-learning degree programmes sold through unauthorised EdTech franchise tie-ups. It said such arrangements are not permitted, and degrees earned through them will not be recognised.

Degrees from fake institutions carry no validity for jobs, higher education or government service. The UGC advises students to verify an institution’s recognition status on its official website and the Distance Education Bureau portal before paying any fees. A four-minute check can save years of wasted effort.