The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important advisory aimed at protecting students and parents from the risks associated with taking admission in unrecognised or fake universities. The advisory comes as the admission season for the 2026‑27 academic year begins, and seeks to ensure that students make informed choices about higher education institutions. According to the board, taking admission in institutions not recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) can have serious consequences for a student’s academic and career prospects, as degrees from unrecognised bodies may be invalid for further studies or jobs. The UGC routinely updates a list of fake universities and unrecognised institutions on its official website, and students are advised to consult this list before enrolling.
Key Instructions for Students and Schools
In its communication, CBSE has urged all its affiliated schools to actively counsel students in Classes 10 and 12 along with their parents or guardians about the importance of verifying recognition status of higher education institutions. Schools are expected to guide students to check whether a college or university is officially recognised under the UGC Act by visiting the UGC website and reviewing the list under the “HEIs” section. The advisory also suggests that schools should:
- Display the notice prominently on school notice boards.
- Share it through school websites and circulars.
- Discuss the issue during Parent‑Teacher Meetings to raise awareness.
Why Verification Matters?
The UGC issues periodic public notices and updates the list of universities and colleges that are not legally recognised to grant degrees. Admissions to such institutions can invalidate academic qualifications, making them unacceptable for higher studies, government jobs, or private sector recruitment. Verifying recognition helps students avoid such pitfalls and ensures their qualifications remain valid across India. Students and parents are encouraged to visit the official UGC portal, check the “HEIs” section for a complete list of recognised institutions, and avoid enrolling in any university or college that does not appear on this authorized list. This verification step is simple but critical for safeguarding their future academic and professional opportunities. Stakeholders in the education community including students, parents and schools are advised to take this advisory seriously and spread awareness ahead of the ongoing admissions cycle.