Difference Between UGC Approved and Non-Approved Universities

When it comes to higher education in India, students and parents are concerned about the primary question: “Is this university UGC approved?” The University Grants Commission is a statutory body established under the UGC Act, 1956.

That serves as a regulatory authority for Indian higher education institutions. Notably, the UGC’s approvals are mandatory for the government to recognise and legalise the degrees awarded by universities.

Thus, students who study at unauthorised institutions risk wasting their time and money without obtaining government approval for their degree, certificate, or diploma.

This blog will highlight the concept of UGC approval, provide insight into the difference between UGC approved and non-approved universities, identify risks associated with non-approved educational institutions, and help understand how to check if a university is approved by UGC.

By the end of this blog, students will be able to choose whether UGC approval matters. And learn how to choose universities that have passed the Government’s accreditation checks.

What is UGC?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the UGC Act, 1956. It serves as the primary regulatory authority for higher education in the country, overseeing the standards of universities and colleges.

The UGC performs several key functions, including:

• Accrediting institutions of higher learning to ensure they meet recognised standards.

• Maintaining quality assurance in education and research.

• Allocating grants to approved universities and colleges.

• Ensuring that fraudulent or unapproved entities do not take advantage of students by offering degrees or certifications illegally.

Meaning of UGC Approval

When a university is approved by the UGC, it simply means that the University Grants Commission has recognised the institution under the provisions of the UGC Act, 1956. Approval by the UGC enables a university to grant degrees that are recognised in India as well as abroad.

Key points about UGC approval:

1. Only UGC approved universities are eligible to offer courses whose degrees are recognised by employers, government organisations, and other universities.

2. The degrees from UGC approved universities are mandatory for appearing in government job exams and interviews.

3. The students are eligible to appear in government job exams and interviews with UGC approved degrees.

4. The students are also eligible to pursue higher education from UGC approved universities in India and abroad.

5. UGC approved degrees guarantee that the student has studied at an institution that meets standard criteria.

Difference Between UGC Approved and Non-Approved Universities

Understanding the difference between UGC approved and non-approved universities is extremely important for students to pursue valid degrees and have a bright future. Both approved and non-approved universities provide courses but only UGC approved colleges are authorised to provide degrees that are recognised nationally and internationally.

Risks of Studying in Non-Approved Universities

Choosing the non-approved universities for securing the degrees seems a good choice for students due to lower charges or easy admissions. But the results of making such a decision can be disastrous for students as the degrees provided by these institutions are not considered genuine by the University Grants Commission (UGC). These are - 

• Invalid Degrees: Degrees from non-approved universities are not legally valid, making them useless for jobs or higher studies.

• Government Job Ineligibility: Most government exams and jobs require qualifications from UGC approved universities. Non-approved degrees are not eligible.

• Limited Career Growth: Many employers prefer candidates from recognised institutions. Non-approved degrees can lead to limited career opportunities.

• Waste of Money and Time: Students invest money and time in unapproved universities, but the degree has no value.

• Legal Issues: Some unapproved universities are illegal, and students may face problems if the institution is closed down.

How to Check if a University is UGC Approved?

Verifying whether a university is UGC approved is one of the most important steps before admission. The University Grants Commission (UGC) maintains a list of all approved universities in the country, and students can check their status on the internet.

Steps to Check Whether a University is Approved by UGC

• Go to the Official Website of UGC

• Visit the UGC website at ugc.ac.in

• Find the Universities Tab on the UGC Website

• On the homepage, you can view a list of all universities approved by UGC. The UGC database contains a list of all Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities.

• Choose Which Type of Universities You Want to View

• On the UGC website, you can choose to view a list of Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Universities. You may go through each list to see if your university is present.

• Search or Scroll to Find Your University on the List

• Once you have selected the preferred list, you may scroll down or use the search function to locate the university in question.

• Check Whether Your University is Listed in UGC’s Public Notices

• UGC releases public notices concerning universities and colleges from time to time, including reports of fake universities. Therefore, it is essential to check whether the university in question is listed under public notices as a fake or unauthorised institution.

UGC Approved Universities List

IGNOU

Indira Gandhi National Open University is a central university, established by a resolution of the Parliament. It is a UGC-approved organisation that deals with Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The courses offered are recognised for employment, higher studies, and study abroad. It has an A++ grade from NAAC and is approved by AICTE, NCTE, and INC.

Amity University

Amity University is a private university recognised by UGC under the State Legislature Acts. The university has an A+ grade from NAAC and approvals from various statutory bodies for law, architecture, and education. Amity University’s degrees are considered valid for appearing in competitive exams like UPSC, CAT, GATE, and more. It is known for its collaborations with global companies and education-focused initiatives.

Sikkim University

Sikkim University is a central university recognised by UGC and other statutory bodies like AICTE, PCI, and BCI. It was established in 2007 and offers UG, PG, and research-level courses in various disciplines. Located in Gangtok, it is known for its research in Himalayan studies and holistic education approach.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) 

Lovely Professional University (LPU) is a UGC-approved private university in Punjab that was founded in 2005. This educational institution has received an A++ rating from NAAC and is approved under UGC Section 2(f) and 12(B). It ranks among the highest in the NIRF and THE rankings. It is a reputable organisation since it offers high-quality education that is recognised worldwide.

Chandigarh University 

Chandigarh University, which was established in 2012 under the Punjab State Legislature, is an institution that is approved under UGC Section 2(f). The Chandigarh University has received an A+ grade from NAAC, while it holds international recognition from AIU and IAU. Additionally, the institution has acquired global accreditation for its programs, such as the ABET accreditation for its engineering programs.

Jain University 

Jain University is a UGC-approved organisation with NAAC A+ accreditation. It is a leading educational institution based in Bangalore that provides students with excellent placement opportunities. Additionally, it offers specialisation programs that lead to good careers, such as an MBA degree that commands a salary of 50 lakhs per annum. Moreover, this university’s programs are both nationally and internationally recognised.

Parul University

This institution was founded in Gujarat in 2015 and was officially approved by UGC and NAAC, which awarded it an A++ rating. Additionally, UGC-DEB has approved Parul University for online and distance learning programs. The company offers industry-specific courses and a broad range of disciplines, including Engineering, Management, and Healthcare.

Suresh Gyan Vihar University

This organisation was established in Jaipur in 2008 and approved by UGC under Section 22 of the UGC Act. The company has received an A+ grade from NAAC and approvals from AICTE, PCI, BCI, and NCTE. Suresh Gyan Vihar University is known for its industry ties and high graduate employability.

Manipal University Jaipur

This educational organisation was opened in 2011 under the Manipal Education Group brand. It has received accreditation from UGC and NAAC at the level of A +. Notably, Manipal University Jaipur provides programs in Engineering, Management, Law, and Design and focuses on international experience, infrastructure, and alumni networks.

Conclusion: Why UGC Approval Matters

A student needs to get admitted to the right university. The University Grants Commission helps students by approving only those institutions that have proper infrastructure and are recognised by the government.

It is necessary to get admitted to the UGC recognized university because it helps in securing a government job, getting into higher education, and appearing in competitive exams. Whereas getting admitted to a non-recognised university will lead to a waste of time and money.

Before taking admission to any university, one must check whether it is recognised by the UGC or not. Checking it from the official website of the UGC will help in getting a valid degree which will be accepted worldwide. You must remember that time spent on research is not time wasted.