The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a significant step to safeguard students from falling prey to unaccredited and fraudulent educational institutions. On Wednesday, the UGC declared 20 universities across India as “fake,” cautioning that degrees obtained from these institutions will not be recognized or valid for higher education or employment purposes. The move comes as part of the UGC’s efforts to ensure that students pursue their education from authorized and legitimate universities.
Among the universities on the list, eight are located in Delhi and four in Uttar Pradesh. The UGC aims to prevent students from getting duped by institutions that lack proper accreditation. It is vital for students and their parents to verify the accreditation status of universities before enrolling to avoid any future complications.
According to Manish Joshi, the UGC Secretary, some institutions have been found to be offering degrees contrary to the provisions of the UGC Act. Such universities have no authority to confer any degrees, and their qualifications hold no value in the eyes of the law.
The list includes universities from various states across India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Puducherry. Notably, several of the universities listed this year were also included in the UGC’s previous list of “fake” universities released last year.
UGC-recognized universities are those established under Central, State/Provincial Acts, deemed-to-be universities, or institutions empowered by an Act of Parliament. These institutions have the legal backing and authorization necessary to maintain academic standards and offer legitimate qualifications to students.
To protect students’ interests and ensure the credibility of their educational pursuits, the UGC advises individuals to verify the authenticity and recognition of universities before enrolling in any course or program.
As part of its ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of unauthorized educational institutions, the UGC continues to vigilantly monitor and identify such universities. By alerting the public about these “fake” universities, the UGC aims to create awareness and promote transparency in the education system.
It is crucial for aspiring students and their families to be aware of the UGC’s guidelines and rely on authorized universities that offer credible and valuable degrees, ensuring a promising future for students and upholding the standards of higher education in India.
Sources By Agencies
