India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) warned students in August 2026 against unauthorized arrangements between educational technology companies and universities offering online and distance-learning degrees.
According to India’s Ministry of Education, some companies advertise degree programs through partnerships with universities, but certain franchise arrangements are prohibited. Degrees offered through these unauthorized arrangements do not receive UGC recognition.
The commission advised students to verify institutional and program eligibility before enrolling. The warning highlights an important issue for international learners: a university’s recognition does not automatically mean every program advertised by a third party is authorized.
Students should verify online programs directly through the relevant regulator before paying tuition or registration fees.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2295054
Every country should do the same, online diploma mills are now more popular than legit open universities.
This is a good reminder that students need to check more than just the university’s name. A program advertised by a third-party company might not be officially approved, even if the university itself is recognised. Checking directly with the regulator before paying fees can save students a lot of trouble later.
Student alone can’t do it, government needs to take a leading role in fishing out and dealing with diploma mills.