The Paradox of Closures and Growth
On one hand, the latest All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report for 2023-24 shows total student enrolment has climbed to 4.5 crore, a significant jump from 3.42 crore in 2014-15. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), which measures participation
for 18-23 year-olds, is now at 30%. On the other hand, regulatory bodies are cracking down on quality. For the 2025-26 academic session, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approved the 'progressive closure' of 58 engineering and technical colleges. This means they can no longer admit new students. So, what’s happening? The closures are often a result of poor quality, low admissions, or a failure to meet standards. Simultaneously, rising aspirations and population growth mean the overall demand for higher education continues to expand, fuelling a rise in total enrolment numbers.
Why Due Diligence Is Non-Negotiable
These closures, while disruptive, are part of a necessary quality control process. They highlight a crucial reality for students and parents: not all institutions are created equal. The existence of unapproved and 'fake' universities is a persistent problem. The University Grants Commission (UGC) regularly publishes a list of such institutions that are not empowered to grant degrees. As of early 2026, over 30 such fake universities were identified across the country. Enrolling in an unrecognised institution or a non-approved course can render your degree invalid for government jobs, further studies, and many private sector roles. Therefore, verifying the credentials of a college and its courses before taking admission is not just a good idea—it is essential to protect your time, money, and future career.
Step 1: The University Grants Commission (UGC) Check
The UGC is the primary regulatory body for universities in India. Its approval is the first and most critical check. The UGC grants recognition to Central, State, Deemed-to-be, and Private universities. A college must be affiliated with a UGC-recognised university to be considered valid. To verify a university’s status, visit the official UGC website. There, you can find comprehensive, state-wise lists of all recognised universities. The website also has a dedicated section for fake universities, which you must consult to ensure the institution you are considering is not on it. If a university is not on the UGC's approved lists, it is not legally authorised to award degrees.
Step 2: The AICTE Stamp for Technical Courses
For technical and professional programmes like engineering (B.Tech/BE), management (MBA), pharmacy, and architecture, an additional layer of approval is required from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). While a university might be UGC-approved, its technical courses also need the AICTE's nod to be considered valid. The AICTE website has a searchable database of all approved institutions. You can filter by state, programme, and institution type to check the approval status for the current academic year. 'Progressive closure' notices for institutions are also available, indicating which colleges have been barred from admitting new students. Always check for the latest approval status, as it is granted on a year-by-year basis.
Step 3: Checking for Quality with NAAC and NBA
Beyond basic recognition from the UGC and AICTE, there are accreditations that signal the quality of an institution. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) evaluates the overall quality of universities and colleges, grading them on a scale (like A++, A+, B, etc.). While not mandatory for recognition, a good NAAC grade is a strong indicator of academic standards and infrastructure. The National Board of Accreditation (NBA) provides a similar quality check but specifically for individual technical programmes like engineering and management. An NBA accreditation for a specific course is a sign of its quality and relevance to industry standards. Checking these accreditations on their respective websites can help you choose an institution that not only has basic approval but also a commitment to quality education.
