UGC Warns Against Fake Online Degree Programmes and Misleading Abbreviations

Beware of misleading online degree programs! UGC warns against fake abbreviations like '10 Days MBA'. Validate programs before enrollment.

on Apr 24, 2024

UGC Warns Against Fake Online Degree Programmes and Misleading Abbreviations | Frontlist

The UGC stated that certain persons and groups are advertising online programs with acronyms that are similar to recognized degree programmes in higher education.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a strong warning against fraudulent online degree programmes using misleading abbreviations, such as BBA and MBA, which may cause misunderstanding among students and stakeholders.

In a public notification, the UGC stated that certain persons and groups are advertising online programs with acronyms comparable to recognized degree programmes in higher education. The Commission has taken note of one such programme, the '10 Days MBA'.

"Some individuals/organisations provide online programmes/courses with acronyms/abbreviated forms identical to the higher education system's recognized degree programmes. "One such programme that has piqued the Commission's interest is '10 Days MBA'," UGC secretary Manish Joshi noted.

"The nomenclature of a degree, including its abbreviated form, duration and entry qualification, is specified by the UGC, with the previous approval of the central government, through the publication of a notification in the official gazette," the official said.

The UGC secretary reiterated that only universities created under central, provincial, or state legislation, or institutions recognized as universities by explicit acts of Parliament, have the ability to grant degrees.

"In accordance with UGC regulations, higher education institutions must acquire UGC approval before offering any online degree programme. The UGC secretary stated that a list of recognized HEIs (higher education institutions) that provide online programs, as well as allowed online programs, is available at deb.ugc.ac.in.

"Stakeholders are, therefore, advised to ascertain the validity of an online programme before applying or taking admission to any online programme," Mr. Joshi went on to say.