Be Aware: Fake Universities Waste Time, Money, and Future Opportunities

“Students” Careers at Risk, Proliferation of Fake Universities

The future of students is at stake as the proliferation of fake universities grows. It is becoming a growing concern worldwide and impacting thousands of students. According to a shocking report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it is estimated that approximately 20% of higher education institutions in some regions are unaccredited, leading to widespread academic fraud. Additionally, the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reported that victims of diploma mills can lose anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, with the added risk of damaging their future career prospects. Therefore, the prevalence of these fraudulent institutions wastes precious resources and undermines the integrity of the global education system, leaving students disillusioned and vulnerable.

Amid this, India's University Grants Commission (UGC) recently updated its list of 21 fake universities operating across the nation, highlighting their lack of legitimacy and authority to confer degrees. The UGC is the statutory body responsible for funding higher education institutions and ensuring they meet academic standards. For an institution to gain UGC recognition, it must adhere to strict guidelines and standards related to academic programs, infrastructure, and faculty appointments. These institutions, located in seven states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Delhi, have been flagged for violating the UGC Act. UGC Secretary Manish Joshi stated that degrees awarded by these universities would not be recognized for higher education or employment purposes.

Attending a fake university can lead to serious consequences, as the graduates from these institutions do not receive valid degrees, making them ineligible for jobs that require a college degree, resulting in them having to settle for lower-paying positions. Moreover, it can also impede their chances of pursuing further education, students enrolled in fake universities often waste both time and money. These institutions typically charge high tuition fees without providing a quality education, and students may be billed for fees and services that are never delivered.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified several fake universities in Delhi. These include the All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Sciences, the Commercial University in Daryaganj, the United Nations University, and the Vocational University. Additionally, the ADR-Centric Juridical University, the Indian Institution of Science and Engineering, the Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, and the Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University) have also been flagged as non-legitimate institutions.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also identified several fake universities in other states. In Uttar Pradesh, the institutions include Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith, Mahamaya Technical University, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Open University), and Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad. In Andhra Pradesh Christ's New Testament Deemed University and the Bible Open University of India, while In West Bengal the fake universities include the Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine and the Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research. Kerala has the International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (IIUPM) and St John’s University. Karnataka reports the Badaganvi Sarkar World Open University Education Society, while Maharashtra has Raja Arabic University. Finally, Puducherry is home to the Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education.

The rise of fake universities poses a significant threat to students' futures, wasting time, money, and opportunities. These institutions not only exploit individuals but also undermine the credibility of the global education system. Students must verify the legitimacy of educational institutions to protect their careers and educational goals.

Editor's Note:

Indian students who have been pursuing higher education for many years and spending lakhs of rupees on their degrees are now ineligible to apply for jobs, as their degrees are not from UGC-approved institutions and are considered fake. The proliferation of fake universities remains a serious issue, affecting countless students worldwide and step taken by UGC to list out these fake universities is a commendable step to secure the future of students, as it will save them from financial loss to hindered career prospects.

Skoobuzz highly emphasises that students, parents, and policymakers recognize the risks posed by fraudulent institutions and take necessary steps to protect the integrity of education systems globally.