As the admission season for the academic session 2026-27 approaches, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a critical advisory warning students against seeking admission in fake or unrecognized universities.
In a circular dated January 13, 2026 (Circular No. CBSE/Coord/2026/11848), the Board has directed all affiliated schools to disseminate information from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to protect students from jeopardizing their careers.
Why the Advisory?
The UGC regularly publishes lists of “fake universities” and unrecognized institutions that are not authorized to grant degrees. Admissions to such self-styled institutions can lead to invalid degrees, causing severe academic and professional loss to students.
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Instructions for Students & Parents
The advisory outlines specific steps for families preparing for higher education admissions:
Verify Recognition: Before applying, students must verify the recognition status of the university or college.
Check Official Website: Visit the official UGC website at
www.ugc.ac.in.Use the “HEIs” Tab: Navigate to the main menu tab labeled “HEIs” (Higher Educational Institutions) to confirm if the institution is listed as recognized.
Apply Only to Recognized HEIs: Ensure applications are submitted only to institutions that are officially recognized by the UGC.
Directives for Schools
To ensure wide reach, CBSE has mandated schools to take the following actions:
Counseling: Actively inform and counsel students of Classes X and XII (and their parents) about the risks associated with fake universities.
Public Display: The advisory must be prominently displayed on school notice boards and shared via school websites and circulars.
PTMs: The issue should be discussed during Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) to create awareness at an early stage.
This move comes after the UGC Secretary wrote to CBSE on December 11, 2025, requesting assistance in spreading awareness to safeguard student interests.