UGC's Latest Crackdown on Fake Institutions: Spotlight on Bengaluru's Global Human Peace University
The University Grants Commission (UGC), India's apex higher education regulatory body established under the UGC Act, 1956, has once again updated its list of fake universities, bringing the total to 32 unauthorized institutions as of February 2026. This recent declaration has put Bengaluru's Global Human Peace University under the scanner, labeling it as a self-styled entity not entitled to confer any degrees. Located at #1035, 4th Block, Near Golden Heights, Dr. Rajkumar Road, Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru-560010, this institution was flagged for operating without the necessary recognition under Sections 2(f) or 3 of the UGC Act or approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
Students and parents aspiring for higher education in Karnataka are urged to exercise caution, as degrees from such fake setups hold no legal validity for government jobs, further studies, or professional pursuits. The UGC's public notice emphasizes that enrolling in these institutions can jeopardize careers, prompting immediate awareness campaigns across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
Complete State-Wise List of 32 Fake Universities in India (February 2026)
The UGC maintains a dynamic list to protect students from fraudulent entities. Delhi leads with 12 fake universities, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 4, while Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and West Bengal each have 2. Newer states like Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan report 1 each. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
| State | Number | Institutions |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 12 | World Peace of United Nations University, Institute of Management and Engineering, All India Institute of Public & Physical Health Sciences, Commercial University Ltd., United Nations University, Vocational University, ADR-Centric Juridical University, Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, Viswakarma Open University for Self-Employment, Adhyatmik Vishwavidyalaya, National Institute of Management Solution, Mountain Institute of Management & Technology |
| Uttar Pradesh | 4 | Gandhi Hindi Vidyapith (Prayagraj), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose University (Aligarh), Bhartiya Shiksha Parishad (Lucknow), Mahamaya Technical University (Noida) |
| Karnataka | 2 | Global Human Peace University (Bengaluru), Sarva Bharatiya Shiksha Peeth (Tumkur) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 2 | Christ New Testament Deemed University (Guntur), Bible Open University of India (Visakhapatnam) |
| Kerala | 2 | International Islamic University of Prophetic Medicine (Kozhikode), St. John’s University (Kishanattam) |
| Maharashtra | 2 | Raja Arabic University (Nagpur), National Backward Krushi Vidyapeeth (Solapur) |
| Puducherry | 2 | Usha Latchumanan College of Education, Sree Bodhi Academy of Higher Education |
| West Bengal | 2 | Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine (Kolkata), Institute of Alternative Medicine and Research (Kolkata) |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 1 | Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine |
| Haryana | 1 | Magic & Art University (Faridabad) |
| Jharkhand | 1 | Daksha University (Ranchi) |
| Rajasthan | 1 | Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management (Bhiwadi) |
This table underscores the nationwide proliferation, with urban centers like Delhi and Bengaluru being hotspots due to high student influx.
Inside Global Human Peace University: Claims vs. Reality
Self-proclaimed as the Global Human Peace University Virtual Institute (GHPUVI), the Bengaluru entity markets itself as an international, technology-driven platform incorporated in Delaware, USA. It offers over 4,000 free online courses in partnership with Alison, spanning IT, health, business, and more, alongside onsite programs in vocational sectors like aviation, hospitality, and yoga. It boasts accreditations from the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education (QAHE) and ISO certifications for non-formal education.
However, its own FAQs disclose it's not an Indian statutory university, does not award UGC-recognized degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.), and functions solely as a non-formal learning platform. Despite this, UGC alleges it was awarding invalid degrees from the Bengaluru address, misleading local aspirants. This duality—international virtual claims paired with a physical Indian presence—highlights the deceptive tactics employed.
Prospective students drawn to 'free education' and 'peace-focused' branding often overlook these disclaimers, leading to enrollment traps.
The Evolution of UGC's Fake Universities List: A 30-Year Vigil
Since 1994, the UGC has published annual lists to combat fraudulent institutions, starting with a handful and growing amid rising higher education demand. In 2015, 21 fakes were listed, predominantly in Uttar Pradesh (8) and Delhi (6). By 2018, it reached 24; recent years saw surges to 29 in early 2026 before hitting 32. Delhi's dominance persists, with some entities like Commercial University Ltd. recurring for decades, evading shutdowns despite notices.
This growth mirrors India's Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) climb from 19.4% in 2010-11 to over 28% in 2026, fueling unregulated private setups amid unemployment pressures.
Why Delhi and Urban Hubs Breed Fake Universities
Delhi's 12 fakes, including grandiose names like United Nations University and ADR-Centric Juridical University, thrive on the capital's aspirant influx. Lax oversight, high advertising via local media, and proximity to coaching hubs enable deception. Karnataka's 2 reflect Bengaluru's tech-education boom, where vocational lures attract semi-urban youth.
Factors include economic disparity, parental pressure for quick degrees, and digital anonymity allowing fake websites mimicking legitimate ones.
Photo by Mostafa (Mfnctn) on Unsplash
Devastating Impacts: Stories of Students Duped by Fake Degrees
Students face career derailment; a degree from a fake uni bars government jobs via UPSC/SSC and private sector validations. In the Manav Bharti University scandal, 36,000 fake degrees were sold, leading to arrests and invalidated qualifications, ruining thousands' futures. Financial losses run into lakhs per student, plus wasted years.
Real case: Andhra Pradesh's Bible Open University victims petitioned for refunds after UGC blacklist. Psychological toll includes depression from job rejections. Families in Tier-2 cities like Tumkur suffer most, investing savings in proximity institutions.
Employers now cross-verify via Rate My Professor and UGC portals, but victims remain stranded.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying University Legitimacy
To avoid pitfalls:
- Visit UGC's official list and approved universities page.
- Check AICTE approval for technical courses.
- Use NAAC/AICTE rankings and NIRF for credibility.
- Scrutinize websites for UGC Act mentions; avoid 'open university' without state backing.
- Consult state higher education dept.; seek alumni feedback on higher ed career advice forums.
- Verify via UGC helpline or regional offices.
These steps empower informed choices in India's 1,000+ universities landscape.
Government Crackdown: Legal Actions and Policy Reforms
UGC writes to state govts for FIRs under IPC Sections 465/468 (forgery). Courts have penalized operators; e.g., Delhi HC ordered closures. NEP 2020 mandates single regulator (Higher Education Commission of India) to streamline oversight. Recent raids in UP fake hubs seized documents.
Digital monitoring via UGC portal tracks violations, with penalties up to 7 years imprisonment.
Challenges in India's Booming Higher Education Sector
With 43 million students, supply lags demand, spawning fakes. Unemployment at 8% pushes degree desperation. Private unis (50% share) face regulation gaps. NEP aims 50% GER by 2035 via quality focus, foreign campuses, but enforcement lags.
For genuine opportunities, explore academic jobs in India or higher ed jobs.
Practical Advice for Students and Parents Navigating Admissions
- Prioritize NAAC 'A' graded or central/state unis.
- Avoid low-fee lures without verification.
- Opt for CUET/NEET for merit-based entry.
- Build skills via academic CV tips.
- Consider community colleges or scholarships for affordability.
Empowerment through knowledge prevents fraud.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Future Outlook: A Cleaner Higher Education Ecosystem
With VBU Bill 2025 proposing unified regulator, AI surveillance on fakes, and international tie-ups, India eyes global standards. Students shifting to verified paths like IITs/IIMs; outbound study dips 31% favoring domestic options. AcademicJobs.com aids with university jobs, professor ratings, and faculty positions.
Stakeholders must collaborate for trust restoration.
