The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a nationwide advisory urging students and parents to verify the recognition status of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) before seeking admission, amid growing concerns over fake and unrecognized universities. The advisory comes at a crucial time as the admission process for the 2026–27 academic session begins across the country.
In a circular dated January 13, 2026, CBSE directed principals and heads of all affiliated schools to actively disseminate this information among students of Classes X and XII, as well as their parents. The move follows a communication from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which regularly identifies, publishes and updates a list of fake and unrecognized universities on its official website.
CBSE cautioned that admissions to self-styled or unrecognized institutions can severely jeopardise students’ academic and professional futures. Degrees or diplomas awarded by such institutions are not considered valid for higher education, government employment or professional practice, often leaving students at a significant disadvantage after years of study and financial investment.
To prevent students from falling prey to fraudulent institutions, CBSE has instructed schools to counsel students and parents on the importance of verifying institutional recognition through the UGC portal, specifically under the “HEIs” section, before applying for admission. The Board stressed that only UGC-recognized Higher Educational Institutions are authorized to award valid degrees in India.
As part of the awareness drive, schools have been asked to prominently display the advisory on notice boards, circulate it through official communication channels, upload it on school websites and discuss the issue during Parent-Teacher Meetings. Students have been strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence and seek admission only in recognised universities and colleges.
CBSE has emphasised strict compliance with the directions, stating that the initiative is aimed at safeguarding students from academic fraud and ensuring informed decision-making during the admission process. Copies of the advisory have also been forwarded to key educational bodies, including the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Sainik Schools Society and state education departments, to ensure wider outreach and uniform implementation.
The Board reiterated that awareness and verification are the most effective tools to protect students from misleading claims and unethical practices by fake universities, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant during the upcoming admission season.
