UGC issued a Warning Against Fake Online Programs and Degrees

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on 18th April 2024, issued a warning against fake Online programs offering degrees with ambiguos acronyms or abbreviations used by scammers and organizations to promote schemes resembling those approved by the Commission. UGC Secretary Manish Joshi’s warning focused on a specific course known as the “10-day MBA.”

According to the public warning, “Some people/organizations are offering online courses/programs with acronyms/abbreviated forms similar to the recognized degree programs in the higher education system.” 

Dr. Manish R Joshi, Secretary, in the report further states that the Commission, after approval by the Central Government, fixes the name, duration and eligibility of the degree by appropriate notification issued in the National Gazette. Only Universities recognized under Central, Provincial and State Acts, authorized by Parliament and the University Act, are considered entitled to award degrees.

In accordance with UGC norms, higher education institutions must also get approval from the UGC before offering any online degree programs, he added. Available on deb.ugc.ac.in is a list of accredited higher education institutions (HEIs) that are able to provide online courses.