UGC Issues Warnings on Unrecognized Online Degrees
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a public notice cautioning against fraudulent online degree programs that utilize misleading acronyms or abbreviations resembling those recognized by the Commission. One such program, the "10-Day MBA," has been singled out for scrutiny.
The notice emphasizes that certain individuals and organizations offer online courses with acronyms or abbreviated forms similar to officially recognized degree programs in the higher education system. Professor Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the UGC, highlights that the Commission establishes degree nomenclature, duration, and entry qualifications through formal notifications in the official gazette, following approval from the central government.
Furthermore, Joshi notes that only universities recognized under central, provincial, or state acts, deemed universities, and those empowered by Parliament have the authority to confer such degrees. Additionally, higher education institutions must obtain approval from the UGC to offer any online degree program in accordance with UGC regulations.