SPOT THE FAKE UNIVERSITIES

The Telegraph India points out some ways to figure out fake universities. It gives the following points that should be checked and rechecked for every university or institution you plan to be.

Seeing is Believing: Visit the campus and find for yourself. Contact the students, faculties and management. See the infrastructure, laboratories to get a feel of the campus.

Placement is Key: Get confirmed about the placement record of the university. Ask seniors or alumini to find the credibility of the placement record.

Rank Reality: For finding the ranking do not rely upon a single list. See multiple list and people behind the formulation of list. Form your view on the basis of the average ranking of the university over last five years.

Buy Local: According to academician Yash Pal, students should choose an institution that offers quality education over one that has an “international” tag. “It’s better to opt for a long distance programme from a state university than go for an institution that is yet to prove its credentials,” he says.

Accreditation and Affiliation: Check out the accreditation and affiliation status of the university/college from UGC/AICTE and other organizations. Visit their websites or directly contact them.

Fake alert list: Check the fake alert list by UGC and AICTE. This year the University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified 22 fake institutions while as many as 200 institutions were declared fake by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). 

Protest illegal Rules: Students should also be wary of institutions that have illegal rules like non-refund of fees and confiscation of original certificates.

Beware of Freebies: Stay away from institutes that offer freebies like laptops and foreign trips. The number of celebrities or politicians visiting the university is not guarantee of quality of education it will provide.