By Rootsalert News Desk | 22-February-2026
Delhi tops the hall of shame as the education regulator warns students against unrecognised institutions ahead of the new admission season.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the student community, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released its latest “blacklist,” identifying 32 institutions across the country that are operating as universities without any legal authority.
As the fresh academic cycle approaches, the regulator’s warning is clear: degrees from these self-styled institutions are essentially “worthless” for higher studies or government employment.
The Capital’s Growing Crisis
The national capital has emerged as the biggest offender in this educational fraud. Out of the 32 blacklisted entities, Delhi alone accounts for 12, including high-sounding names like the “United Nations University” and the “Indian Institute of Science and Engineering.” Despite repeated warnings in previous years, several of these “degree mills” continue to operate from small offices in areas like Daryaganj, Pitampura, and Janakpuri.
A Pan-India Web of Deceit
The spread is not limited to Delhi. Uttar Pradesh follows closely with four fake universities, including the Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith in Prayagraj. Other states caught in the net include West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
New additions to the list, such as Daksha University in Jharkhand and Magic & Art University in Haryana, highlight a worrying trend of “niche” fake institutions targeting students looking for vocational or alternative education.
Why This Matters
“A university can only be established by a Central, State, or Provincial Act,” a senior UGC official stated. “These institutions are not only violating the UGC Act of 1956 but are also putting the careers of thousands of innocent students at risk. We urge parents and students to verify every institution on our official portal before paying a single rupee in fees.”
The Commission has written to state governments to take immediate penal action against these institutions. For now, the burden of “due diligence” remains on the students to ensure their hard-earned degrees don’t turn into expensive legal liabilities.
