Parliament QA- Misleading EdTech platforms and fake Universities

The University Grants Commission (UGC) noticed that some EdTech companies are giving advertisements in newspaper / social media / television for offering degree and diploma programmes in ODL/Online modes in association with some Universities/Institutions recognized/entitled by the UGC. UGC issued a public notice informing all students/stakeholders that such franchisee arrangements are not permissible and any such programme/degree does not have recognition of UGC. It stated that action will be initiated against defaulting EdTech companies and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) under applicable laws/ rules/ regulations. UGC also advised all students/stakeholders through public notice to check the recognition/entitlement status of the programmes on UGC (DEB) website before enrolling in any course.

Whenever a complaint is received regarding an unauthorized institution offering degree programmes, the UGC issues a notice informing the institution that it is not authorized to award degrees and seeks its explanation. If the explanation received is unsatisfactory, the institution’s name is included in the UGC’s list of fake Universities. As per the latest list published in February 2026, 32 institutions have been identified as fake Universities. The list of fake Universities is available on the website of UGC at https://www.ugc.gov.in/universitydetails/ Fake university.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.