Ranchi, February 21: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared Daksha University (Vocational and Life Skill Education), Ranchi, as a fake university and warned that degrees issued by it will not be valid for employment or higher education.
In a public notice issued in February 2026, the UGC said Daksha University is among 32 institutions across 12 states that have been identified as fake and operating without recognition from either the Central or State governments. The Commission clarified that these institutions are not authorised to award degrees under Sections 2(f) and 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
“Daksha University (Vocational and Life Skill Education), Ranchi, has been identified as a fake university,” the UGC said, adding that “degrees issued by these institutions are not valid for jobs or higher studies.”
The latest list shows a significant rise in the number of fake universities, increasing from 20 in 2024 to 32 in 2026, reflecting growing concerns over unauthorised institutions in the higher education sector.
Delhi has the highest number of fake universities at 12, followed by Uttar Pradesh with four. Jharkhand, Haryana, Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh are among the states newly added to the list, with one fake institution each.
The UGC also issued a separate alert regarding an institute operating under the name Global Human Peace University in Bengaluru, stating that it is not authorised to function as a university or award valid degrees.
The Commission advised students and parents to exercise caution and verify the recognition status of institutions before taking admission to avoid falling victim to unrecognised universities.
The UGC reiterated that only institutions established under Central or State Acts or those recognised by it have the legal authority to award valid degrees, and qualifications issued by fake universities hold no academic or professional value.
