How to Check if a College Is Approved in India

Every year, students lose time and money on colleges that are not approved for the course they offer. A degree from an unapproved course may not be accepted for jobs, higher studies or registration as a professional. The good news: checking takes about ten minutes, and every official list is free and online.

Step 1: Is the university recognised?

Every degree in India is awarded by a university. The University Grants Commission (UGC) publishes the lists of recognised central, state, private and deemed-to-be universities. UGC also publishes a list of fake universities. Check both lists. If your college is affiliated to a university, check the university as well as the college.

Step 2: Is the course approved by its council?

Professional courses need a second approval from the council for that profession. Check the institution and the course on the right website:

• MBBS and medical PG: National Medical Commission (NMC)
• BDS and MDS: Dental Council of India
• ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc and M.Sc Nursing: Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the State Nursing Council
• D.Pharm, B.Pharm, Pharm.D: Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
• B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, PGDM, MCA: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
• BAMS, BUMS and other AYUSH courses: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM); BHMS: National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH)
• LLB: Bar Council of India

For allied health courses such as BPT, BMLT, B.Sc Radiology or Optometry, check that the university is recognised and that the course is part of its approved programmes.

Step 3: Check the approved seats for your year

Councils approve a college for a number of seats and for specific years. An approval from three years ago is not enough. Look for the current academic year in the council's list or in the college's official approval letter.

Step 4: Watch for warning signs

• "Guaranteed admission" or "guaranteed job" promises. Admission decisions are made by the institution or the counselling authority, never by an agent.
• Pressure to pay a large amount in cash, or to pay before you see the admission letter.
• No written fee structure, or a fee receipt in the name of a person instead of the institution.
• The college cannot show its approval letter, or the name on the approval differs from the name on the gate.

Quick checklist

1. University on the UGC list, and not on the fake list.
2. College and course on the right council's website.
3. Approval valid for the current academic year.
4. Written fee structure and receipts in the institution's name.

Frequently asked questions

Is NAAC accreditation the same as approval?

No. NAAC grades the quality of an institution. Approval by UGC and the course council is what makes the degree valid. A good NAAC grade is a plus, not a replacement.

Can I study in a college that is "applied for" approval?

Be careful. Until the approval is granted for your batch, there is a risk. Ask for it in writing and check the council's website before you pay.

Need help? Our counsellors check approvals for every college we suggest. You can book a counselling slot or read about our admission guidance.