The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh public warning urging students, parents and employers to remain cautious about three institutions operating illegally as universities and issuing degrees without statutory approval.

The UGC clarified that degrees awarded by these institutions are invalid and will not be recognised for higher education, government recruitment, or private sector employment.

Three institutions flagged by UGC

According to the Commission, the following institutions are functioning in violation of the UGC Act, 1956:

  • National Institute of Management Solution (NIMS), Delhi
  • Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, Tumkur, Karnataka
  • National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth, Solapur, Maharashtra

The UGC stated that none of these institutions are recognised under Section 2(f) nor declared as deemed-to-be universities under Section 3, which are mandatory requirements to legally award degrees in India.

Karnataka institution under scanner

Of particular concern in Karnataka is Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth, located on Devanur Main Road, Vijaya Nagara, Tumkur district. The UGC noted that the institution has been awarding degrees illegally, without approval from the UGC, AICTE, or any other statutory regulatory body.

Students have been cautioned that degrees issued by this institution carry no legal validity and should not be relied upon for academic or professional purposes.

Degrees have no legal value

The UGC emphasised that qualifications from these institutions will not be accepted for admissions, competitive examinations, employment, or professional recognition. The warning forms part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to update and publicise its List of Fake Universities.

What the UGC Act says

Under the UGC Act, 1956, only institutions recognised under Section 2(f) or declared deemed universities under Section 3 are authorised to use the word “university” and award degrees. Institutions operating outside this framework are considered unauthorised, even if they conduct classes or issue certificates.

Advisory to students and parents

The UGC has advised students to verify institutional recognition before taking admission by checking the official UGC website and the state-wise list of fake universities, updated as of December 2025.

Officials warned that enrolling in unrecognised institutions can result in irreversible academic and career setbacks, often discovered only when degrees are rejected by universities or employers.