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COLLEGE SIMPLIFIED

How to Verify a PG College Is Genuine in 2026

Magnifying glass and icons in a circular layout illustrate verifying a PG college. Text: How to verify a PG college is genuine in 2026.

INTRODUCTION


Making the right choice for postgraduate (PG) admissions is a life-shaping decision. But beyond deciding what and where to study lies a crucial question: How to verify a PG college is genuine? Unfortunately, fake and unrecognised institutions still operate in India — and enrolling there can leave you with a degree that has no academic standing or professional value.

This guide covers everything you need to know about verifying the authenticity of a PG college, including legal recognition, regulatory approvals, accreditation, degree verification, and red flags to watch for. By the end, you’ll be equipped with a step-by-step checklist for safe and confident decision-making.

Why It’s Important to Verify a PG College Before Admission


The consequences of joining an illegitimate college are serious. A fake or unrecognised institution may issue degrees that:

  • Have no legal standing for further studies or government jobs

  • Are not recognised by employers or professional bodies

  • Cannot be used for overseas education or visa processes

  • May require you to repeat coursework at a valid institution

In late 2025 and into 2026, regulators like the University Grants Commission (UGC) continue to warn students about unrecognised institutions that claim authority they don’t have. Some institutions even use terms like “autonomous” or “internationally validated” to mislead applicants — but these do not replace legal recognition.

So before you sign any offer letter or pay a fee, you should know how to verify a PG college is genuine the right way.


Step 1: Check Legal Recognition and Approval


Verify Recognition from UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the primary regulator of higher education in India. Any college or university that awards degrees must be recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) and/or Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

To verify:

  1. Visit the official UGC website: https://www.ugc.ac.in/

  2. Go to the “Recognised Universities/HEIs” section.

  3. Search for the name of the college or university you’re checking.

If the institution does not appear in this list, it’s not a valid degree-granting university. Some states or private bodies might still list the college on websites or brochures, but that does not make it legitimate.


Check Against the List of Fake Universities

The UGC also publishes a list of fake or unrecognised institutions that are illegally offering programmes and degrees. Some of these have been explicitly warned against by the regulator in 2025 and 2026.

Make sure the college you’re considering does NOT appear on this list.


Step 2: Confirm Course-Level Approvals


Recognition of the university alone is not enough for all fields. For professional programmes, individual courses must be approved by the relevant statutory council:

  • AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) for engineering, management, computer applications, etc. Visit https://aicte-india.org/ to check approved institutes.

  • PCI (Pharmacy Council of India) for pharmacy programmes

  • NMC (National Medical Commission) for medical degrees

  • BCI (Bar Council of India) for law programmes

  • NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education) for education degrees

If a programme does not have the required professional approval then even if the college is recognised, that particular course may not be valid.


Step 3: Look for Accreditation


Accreditation is not the same as recognition, but it’s an important quality indicator.


NAAC and NBA Accreditation

In India:

  • NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) validates the overall quality of higher education institutions. Many credible PG colleges display their NAAC grade proudly on their websites.

  • NBA (National Board of Accreditation) specifically assesses technical and professional programmes.

A college with strong NAAC and programme-specific NBA accreditation is a good sign that the institution maintains consistent educational standards.

Step 4: Check the College’s Official Website


A genuine college will usually have:

  • A domain ending with .edu.in or .ac.in (for recognised institutions)

  • Clear contact details and communication channels

  • Details of recognition and accreditation certificates

  • Faculty information with verifiable profiles

  • Transparent fee structures and policies

If the website is poorly designed, lacks official documentation, or has vague claims (like “international partnership”), these are warning signals.


Step 5: Verify the Degree Certificate and Credentials


Even after enrolling and passing out, verifying your certificate before job or further studies is important.


Use Digital Verification Tools

  • National Academic Depository (NAD): A digital platform where institutions upload authentic academic awards. Employers can verify degrees via this repository.

  • DigiLocker: Many universities issue certificates that can be accessed in DigiLocker — a government-linked digital storage service.


Check Security Features

Physical certificates often have:

  • Watermarks visible under light

  • Embossed university seal

  • Holograms or QR codes

  • Unique registration numbers

These features help distinguish legitimate certificates from fake ones.


Step 6: Consult External Sources


State Higher Education Departments

If your college is affiliated to a state university, check the state higher education department’s website for lists of affiliated colleges. These are often more up to date for local or affiliated institutions.


Read Official Notices and Warnings

Regulators such as the UGC and professional councils regularly issue alerts about illegal institutions. Checking these can help you dodge known fake entities.


Common Red Flags That Signal a Fake Institution


When learning how to verify a PG college is genuine, be cautious of these indicators:

  • Uses misleading language like “industry-validated” or “internationally affiliated” without legal recognition.

  • Offers degrees in unusually short durations or without proper coursework.

  • Doesn’t have a verifiable approval certificate on official portals.

  • Claims to be a university but does not appear on the UGC recognised list.

  • Promises unrealistic outcomes like guaranteed jobs or instant degrees.

These often signal that the institution may not be able to award valid degrees even if it looks convincing online.


Real-World Examples and News


In late 2025, the UGC warned students about several fake institutions that misrepresented themselves as legitimate colleges offering degrees. These institutions were not recognised under the UGC Act, and their degrees were declared invalid for academic or professional purposes.

This highlights the persistence of fake college operations in India, reinforcing why students must know how to verify a PG college is genuine before making decisions.


FAQ


Q: How can I check if a PG college is recognised by UGC?

A: You should visit the official UGC website and search the state-wise recognised universities and colleges list. If it doesn’t appear there, it’s not legally authorised to award degrees.

Q: Does UGC recognition guarantee that all courses are valid?

A: Not always. While UGC recognition is essential for the institution, certain professional courses also require approval from councils like AICTE, BCI, NMC, or PCI.


Q: Can I trust all colleges with domains ending in .edu.in or .ac.in?

A: A domain like .edu.in or .ac.in is a good start, but you still need to check recognition, regulatory approvals, accreditation, and official listings.


Q: What should I do if a college issues a degree without a verifiable certificate?

A: Always use NAD or Digi Locker to verify your certificate. If it doesn’t appear there or has no valid QR code, it may not be genuine.


Conclusion


Knowing how to verify a PG college is genuine is not optional — it’s essential for protecting your future. With the right approach, you can avoid fraudulent institutions, choose legitimate programs, and build a career with confidence.

By using official government portals, understanding accreditation and regulatory authority lists, and verifying certificates digitally, you safeguard your education and professional life. Take the time now to do your research. In the long run, that diligence will save time, money, and stress.


Call to Action – Official Links for Verification (2026)


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