September 30, 2025, New Delhi — University Grants Commission has declared 54 private universities across 18 states as defaulters for not submitting required information and failing to make public disclosures on their websites, with Madhya Pradesh leading the list at 10 universities.
Gujarat has eight defaulter universities, Sikkim has five, and Uttarakhand has four private universities that failed to meet UGC compliance requirements.
UGC Secretary Manish Joshi said universities were told to submit detailed information for inspection with documents signed by the registrar. They were also told to upload information on their websites so students and public could easily access it.
“Several reminders were sent through emails and online meetings, but these universities did not comply,” Joshi stated.
According to UGC guidelines, all higher education institutions must maintain a working website with information available on the homepage. Students should be able to access this information without registration or login. A search facility should also be available for easy navigation.
The information required includes details about academic programs, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, fees, student enrollment, and other important details under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956.
UGC has circulated the defaulter list and warned universities to take corrective steps immediately. Officials said further action could follow if institutions continue ignoring instructions.
The higher education regulator has increased monitoring of private universities in recent months. In July 2025, UGC had warned 23 institutions for not appointing ombudspersons as required.
State governments where these universities operate have been informed about the compliance failures. Students and parents can check university compliance status on the UGC website before making admission decisions.
The action aims to ensure transparency in private higher education and protect student interests by holding universities accountable to established norms.