CBSE Issues Advisory to Protect Students from Fake Universities Ahead of Admissions

The Central Board of Secondary Education has instructed its affiliated schools to issue a broad advisory to students and parents ahead of the 2026-27 college admissions cycle, emphasising caution against enrolment in unrecognised or self-styled universities and higher education institutions. This directive comes following a communication from the University Grants Commission aimed at safeguarding students’ academic and career interests.

The Board noted that the UGC regularly publishes and updates a list of fake and unrecognised institutions on its official portal where students and guardians can verify the accreditation status of universities and colleges before applying. Admissions to institutions not recognised by the UGC carry the risk of degrees being invalid for further education or employment.

The advisory specifically directs all CBSE schools to counsel students in Classes 10 and 12 as well as their parents or guardians on these risks and the importance of verification. Schools are required to guide them to check institutional recognition through the UGC’s official website under the “HEIs” section and to encourage applications only to UGC-recognised institutions.

To ensure wide outreach, the Board has asked schools to display this advisory on notice boards, share it on school websites and circulars, and discuss it during Parent-Teacher Meetings. Strict compliance with these directions is expected so that students are not misled by false claims made by unapproved educational providers.