The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a severe public warning for the 2026-27 academic session, identifying 32 institutions across India as "Fake Universities." These entities are operating in direct violation of the UGC Act, 1956, and have no legal authority to grant degrees. Shockingly, the national capital, Delhi, remains the primary hotspot for such fraudulent operations, housing 12 of the 32 blacklisted institutions. This investigation details the risks of enrolling in these colleges and provides an essential roadmap for students to verify institutional legitimacy.

The Growing Network of Academic Deception

In just two years, the number of identified fake universities in India has surged from 20 to 32. This nearly 60% increase indicates that despite strict regulatory warnings, fraudulent educational entrepreneurs continue to lure students with promises of "fast-track" degrees and "global recognition." The UGC has explicitly stated that any degree, diploma, or certificate issued by these institutions is worthless for government employment, higher education, or competitive examinations. For students appearing for CUET 2026, ensuring that their target university is not on this list is the first step toward a secure career.

Delhi continues to top this infamous list for the third consecutive year. The institutions in the national capital often operate under misleadingly high-profile names like the "World Peace of United Nations University" or the "All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences." Their proximity to major regulatory hubs in Delhi often creates a false sense of security for outstation students who assume geographical presence equals legal recognition.

The Blacklist: High-Risk Institutions in Delhi

According to the February 2026 circular, the following 12 institutions in Delhi are officially classified as fake. Students are advised to withdraw any ongoing applications to these entities immediately:

• Commercial University Ltd., Daryaganj
• United Nations University, Delhi
• Vocational University, Delhi
• ADR-Centric Juridical University, Rajendra Place
• Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, New Delhi
• Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Sanjay Enclave
• Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya (Spiritual University), Rohini
• All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences (AIIPHS), Alipur
• World Peace of United Nations University (WPUNU), Pitampura
• Institute of Management and Engineering, Kotla Mubarakpur
• Mountain Institute of Management & Technology, Nehru Place
• National Institute of Management Solution, Janakpuri

How to Verify Institutional Recognition

The burden of verification has shifted toward students and parents. Before paying any fees, candidates must visit the official UGC website (ugc.gov.in) and navigate to the "Universities" section. Legitimate higher education institutions in India are categorized under four heads: Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed-to-be Universities, and Private Universities. If an institution does not appear in these specific lists or is found in the "Fake Universities" public notice, its degrees are legally invalid.

Educational experts at cuet.pro recommend looking for "12B status." Section 12B of the UGC Act makes a university eligible for central assistance and ensures it has met specific infrastructure and academic standards. If a university is only a "Private University" without 12B status, it can still award degrees, but it has not yet passed the commission's most rigorous performance audit.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Academic Investment

Education is often a student's largest life investment. Enrolling in an unrecognized institution is not just a financial loss; it is a permanent stain on one's academic record that can lead to job rejections and legal hurdles in the future. As the 2026 admission season approaches, remain vigilant. Use official portals, verify regulatory notices, and remember: if a degree offer sounds too easy or lacks transparent accreditation, it is likely a trap.