Students pursuing Allied Health Science courses at Presidency University in Bengaluru staged a significant protest on Friday. They accuse the university management of deceiving them by collaborating with ‘Emversity,’ an organization recently blacklisted by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The protesting students claim that when they approached university authorities for clarification regarding a public notice from the UGC, they were met with threats of termination. The UGC notice specifically warned against ‘Emversity’ for illegally offering degree programs through affiliations with private universities.
“When we tried to get clear answers, the authorities confiscated our phones and ID cards and threatened to expel us,” one student shared with a local newspaper. Another student expressed deep anxiety, stating, “We are all incredibly worried about the future of our degrees.”
According to the UGC Regulations of 2003, private universities are strictly prohibited from establishing off-campus, study, or extension centers without explicit prior approval from the UGC. They are only authorized to operate from their main campus unless specific permission for additional centers is granted.
Furthermore, both private and deemed-to-be universities are forbidden from affiliating with other colleges or institutions to provide courses that lead to degrees, diplomas, or other academic qualifications. Any degrees or credentials awarded through such unauthorized centers or affiliated bodies are deemed invalid and will not be recognized for higher education or employment purposes.
Despite these clear regulations, students allege that Presidency University is offering Allied Health Science courses through a partnership with Emversity.
In a public notice released on October 8, 2025, the UGC explicitly stated that it has become aware of ‘Emversity,’ operating from Indiranagar, and its affiliated centers offering degree programs via franchising, collaboration, or agreements with private and deemed universities. The commission reiterated that “Such practices are strictly against the provisions of the UGC Act, which prohibits universities from offering degree programmes through franchising arrangements.”
In light of these developments, the UGC has strongly advised parents and prospective students to meticulously verify the recognition and legal standing of any educational institution before enrolling. The notice underscored that “Obtaining degrees from unauthorised or unrecognised institutions may result in such qualifications being considered invalid.”
When approached for comment, a university official clarified that “Emversity has no involvement with the Allied Health Sciences degrees offered by the university. Our collaboration with Emversity was solely for setting up laboratory facilities.”
The university further issued a public clarification, stating, “We wish to clarify that our Allied Health Sciences and Physiotherapy programs are fully recognized by the Karnataka state government and are offered without any third-party collaborations. These programs are recognized, and the final degree will bear the seal of Presidency University. Parents and students are urged not to be swayed by any misleading information.”