The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified a total of 20 universities in different parts of the country as 'fake.' The commission has further stated that such 'fake' universities are not empowered to confer any degree. The most number of fake universities identified by the UGC as of March 2023 are from Delhi, followed by Uttar Pradesh. Earlier yesterday, August 1 2023, the UGC issued a statement saying that the commission has identified several universities which are offering degrees in contrary to the provisions of the UGC act, and degrees from such universities shall neither be recognized nor valid for higher education and employment purposes. 

"It is hereby brought to the notice of students, parents and the general public  that degree can be awarded only by Universities/Institutions which are established under a State Act or Central Act or Provincial Act or institution empowered to confer or grant degrees as per UGC Act, 1956," reads the official UGC Notice. 

"However, it has come to the notice of UGC that a number of institutions are offering degrees in contrary to the provisions of the UGC Act. Degrees awarded by such universities/institutions shall neither be recognized nor valid for higher education and employment purposes," the notice adds further. 

List Of Fake Universities Identified By UGC (As of March 2023)