Bhubaneswar, Feb. 21 -- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has flagged 32 fake universities functioning across 12 states, triggering renewed concerns over student protection and the integrity of India's higher education system. According to the latest figures, the number of such unauthorised institutions has risen from 20 to 32 in the past two years, reflecting a troubling expansion.

The higher education regulator has cautioned students and parents against enrolling in these entities, which are not recognised under the UGC Act and lack the legal authority to award valid degrees.

Among the newly added states reporting fake universities are Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh, with one institution identified in each. ...