Crackdown on fake PhD, MPhil certificates: 200 guest faculty resign across Karnataka
Bengaluru: At least 200 guest faculty members working in government degree colleges across state have reportedly resigned amid a probe into alleged submission of fake PhD and MPhil certificates, Deccan herald reported on Friday.
According to Higher Education Department sources said that the development comes after the department took action to verify the authenticity of the PhD and MPhil certificates submitted by the candidates while joining the job.
The move comes after complaints were filed alleging that some faculty members had submitted forged doctoral and MPhil certificates. A few of the complaints were also lodged with the Lokayukta, prompting further scrutiny.
“With the fear of getting caught, some guest faculty members have submitted their resignations,” a department source said. Most of the resignations are reported from districts in North Karnataka.
Meanwhile, the sources confirmed that even the Lokayukta has sought a report from the department on documents submitted by a few faculty members.
Officials said some candidates allegedly used counterfeit PhD certificates to bypass the mandatory National Eligibility Test (NET) or Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) qualification required under University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
“If the candidates have submitted a PhD certificate from a state-run university, there are no issues. But the problem is, some candidates have submitted PhD or MPhil from universities outside Karnataka, which is suspicious,” the official said.
Department commissioner Manjushree N reportedly said, “We will soon issue a comprehensive SOP detailing the procedures for document verification and scrutiny.”
In a similar case in 2017, the Karnataka Examinations Authority barred 40 candidates from assistant professor interviews after detecting fake PhD certificates, reportedly issued by universities in neighbouring states.
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Ahead of Valentine's Day, right-wing activists vandalise property at private varsity in Indore
Indore (PTI): Right-wing activists on Thursday entered a private university in Indore and allegedly vandalised property after claiming an obscene programme linked to Valentine's Day was being organised on the campus.
The university, however, denied the allegations and asserted an "unauthorised group" damaged infrastructure and disrupted a student-led event aimed at developing professional skills.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shrikrishna Lalchandani told reporters, "We have prima facie information that a programme related to Valentine's Day was underway at the NMIMS University campus in Gandhi Nagar police station area. Activists of Hindu organisations entered the campus and got the programme stopped."
He said commotion broke out after the activists arrived and some chairs and tables placed on the campus were damaged, adding that police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
"An investigation is underway based on video footage. We are speaking to both sides and appropriate legal action will be taken," the DCP said.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad Samrasta Department's local convener Tannu Sharma alleged obscenity was being promoted among students in the name of a Valentine's Day event on the campus.
He said Bajrang Dal activists had gone to the private university to protest against the event, but denied that they indulged in vandalism.
A spokesperson of NMIMS' local campus said, "Between 12:30 pm and 3pm today, an unauthorised group of individuals entered our campus and disrupted a student-led 'Bake & Sell' event. This activity was part of our co-curricular programme, designed to help students develop essential negotiation and commercial skills through practical experience. The group caused damage to campus infrastructure."
"We can confirm that through the immediate activation of our security protocols and the swift intervention of the local police, no students or staff members were harmed. The situation was de-escalated professionally and the individuals were dispersed," the spokesperson added.
NMIMS maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward disruptions to its academic environment and is working with the authorities to ensure the campus remains a safe space for learning, the spokesperson said.
#WATCH | Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Bajrang Dal vandalised Narsee Monjee College, DCP Zone 1, Krishna Lalchandani says, "... A Valentine’s Day programme was taking place when a Hindu organisation vandalised the venue on campus. The students were handed over to their parents, and… pic.twitter.com/mbXXTibQns
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026
#WATCH | Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Bajrang Dal vandalised Narsee Monjee College, DCP Zone 1, Krishna Lalchandani says, "... A Valentine’s Day programme was taking place when a Hindu organisation vandalised the venue on campus. The students were handed over to their parents, and… pic.twitter.com/sjEdUrRWBt
— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2026
