New Delhi, Aug 6 (INB)The University Grants Commission (UGC) will initiate action against EdTech companies and higher educational institutions offering unauthorised online and distance learning degree programmes through impermissible franchisee arrangements, the government has informed Parliament. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar said on Wednesday, the UGC has noticed that some EdTech companies are advertising degree and diploma programmes in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes in association with universities and institutions recognised by the commission, despite such franchisee arrangements not being permitted under UGC regulations. The minister said the UGC has issued a public notice warning students and other stakeholders that degrees offered through such unauthorised arrangements are not recognised by the commission. Students have also been advised to verify the recognition and entitlement status of institutions and programmes on the UGC’s Distance Education Bureau (DEB) website before seeking admission. Majumdar informed the House that whenever complaints are received against unauthorised institutions offering degree programmes, the UGC issues notices seeking explanations. If the responses are found unsatisfactory, the institutions are included in the commission’s list of fake universities. He said the latest UGC list, published in February 2026, identifies 32 institutions as fake universities across the country. The minister further said the UGC’s Anti-Mal-Practice Cell (AMPC), established in 1996, monitors cases relating to fake and unrecognised universities operating in violation of the UGC Act, 1956. To curb such malpractices, the UGC has been issuing show-cause and warning notices to unauthorised institutions, periodically publishing the state-wise list of fake universities, creating public awareness through its website and social media platforms, and urging state governments and Union Territories to take legal action, including lodging FIRs wherever necessary, Majumdar said.
