CBSE to schools: Encourage students to verify UGC recognition of colleges before admission

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has warned schools and students not to get admission in fake or unrecognised universities through an advisory. This is after CBSE received a letter from University Grants Commission (UGC) which has asked CBSE to help protect the students of such institutions by spreading the right information.

CBSE communicated to schools that the UGC regularly issues public notices and maintains a list of fake universities and non recognised higher educational institutions on its official website. The initiative aims to make students, parents and other stakeholders knowledgeable since a student getting admission in such institutions risks a serious setback in their academic journey and future career.

The admission season for the 2026, 27 academic session is going on, and CBSE has therefore underlined the importance of getting the message across early so that students and parents are warned timely. Schools affiliated with the board have been directed to actively counsel students of Classes 10 and 12, along with their parents or guardians, about the risks associated with fake universities.

As part of the advisory, schools have been asked to encourage students to verify the recognition status of higher educational institutions on the official UGC website under the “HEIs” section and apply only to institutions recognised by the commission. CBSE has also directed schools to post the advisory in a very visible place on the notice boards and to share it through school websites, newsletters, and parent- teacher meetings.

The board has issued a strong reminder to all its affiliated schools to strictly follow the instructions so that students do not become victims of unrecognised and self, styled educational institutions.

Earlier this week, CBSE had also sent out a separate notice to affiliated schools on mandatory public disclosure norms, instructing them to keep their official websites updated and accurate with the information. While conveying this message, the board emphasized that all schools whether they are going for affiliation or have been already affiliated with CBSE must have a working website that gives full details about the educational institution. The Board has also cautioned that non compliance may lead to disciplinary action under the Affiliation Bye laws.