In a decisive move against academic fraud, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the cancellation of recognition granted to JS University in Sikohabad, Firozabad district. This action follows multiple investigations that uncovered the private institution's deep involvement in an alleged fake degree scam, a scandal that now threatens to impact approximately 4,000 enrolled students.
The Scandal and Government Action
The controversy came to light after Rajasthan Police arrested JS University chancellor Sukesh Yadav and registrar Nandan Mishra in March 2025. The arrests were made during an investigation into candidates for a physical education teachers' exam, where degrees submitted by applicants from JS University were found to be fraudulent. The police discovered that the number of selected students from the university exceeded its actual sanctioned seat capacity.
Subsequent probes by the Uttar Pradesh Home Department, Higher Education Department, and the Firozabad district administration confirmed the malpractice. The inquiries revealed that the university, established in 2015, had issued degrees far beyond its sanctioned intake and even for academic streams for which it lacked proper recognition. In some cases, degrees were issued at more than double the approved number of seats.
"We took cognizance of this and a decision has been taken to start the process of cancellation of the university's recognition," stated Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhaya on Tuesday, January 7, 2026.
Committee Formed for Student Verification and Future Clearances
Recognizing the potential fallout for thousands of students, the state government has established a three-member committee to manage the crisis. This committee will be headed by the Vice-Chancellor of BR Ambedkar University in Agra. The other members will include the registrar of BR Ambedkar University and an official from the local administration.
The primary mandate of this committee is to oversee the verification process for all affected students and facilitate their future academic clearances. All student documents from JS University will be transferred to the custody of BR Ambedkar University, Agra. After conducting proper verification, BR Ambedkar University will be responsible for issuing legitimate certificates to the students.
This committee will also manage the administrative affairs of JS University during the complex process of its closure, ensuring a structured wind-down.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The cabinet's decision underscores a firm stance against corruption in India's higher education sector. However, it places a significant burden on the 4,000 students from various streams whose academic futures are now in limbo. The verification process led by BR Ambedkar University will be critical in determining the legitimacy of each student's credentials and charting a path forward for those with genuine claims.
The case highlights systemic vulnerabilities and raises serious questions about oversight mechanisms for private universities. The state government's intervention aims to provide a remedy and restore credibility, but the process will require meticulous effort to ensure justice for innocent students caught in the scandal while holding the guilty institution accountable.
