Sunday, May 5

UGC Issues Notice Regarding Fake Online Programmes With Misleading Abbreviations

Edited by Uzma Parveen
UGC Issues Notice Regarding Fake Online Programmes With Misleading Abbreviations

UGC today issued a public notice regarding misleading abbreviations used by organisations and individuals offering online programs and courses. UGC mentioned a program named as ’10 Days MBA program offered by some institutions while using acronyms/abbreviations similar to the higher education system’s recognised degree programs.

The commission advised students to ensure the validity of the online program before applying or taking admission to these courses. It asserted that the list of recognized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering online programs is available on deb.ugc.ac.in.


As per the UGC, the nomenclature of a degree, its abbreviation form, course duration, and entry qualification have already been set up by the commission with the approval of the central government. Further use of any new name or abbreviation has to align with the already approved course names and acronyms and any modification has to be approved by the regulatory body. Nomenclature such as a 10-day MBA program cannot be used by the institution without approval by the UGC.

Notably, if any institution starts or notify any degree program to offer to the students, these institutions need permission from the UGC. The condition also extends to the online courses. “Higher education learning centers are also required to obtain approval from the UGC to offer any online degree program in terms of the UGC Regulations,” UGC asked.

The commission added that institutions under the following categories have the right to confer a degree

  • A university established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act, or a State Act.
  • An institute deemed to be a university
  • An institution empowered by an Act of Parliament