452 guest lecturers get notices over suspected fake PhDs

The Department of Collegiate Education has issued notices to 452 guest lecturers selected for government first-grade colleges for the academic year 2026-27 due to suspected fake PhD degrees. These lecturers had previously claimed to possess a PhD during their online application process for the 2025-26 academic year. However, upon verification of their educational qualifications for the upcoming academic year, it was discovered that they had not claimed to hold a PhD.

The department has instructed college principals to obtain written statements or explanations from the affected candidates, along with supporting documents, within a week. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation and relevant documents within the given timeframe will result in disciplinary action, as per the rules. This issue is a continuation of a previous year's problem, where approximately 10,000 guest lecturers were appointed for 2025-26, out of which 249 claimed fake PhD degrees and 39 submitted fake MPhil degrees.

These individuals were barred from future selection processes and faced potential criminal proceedings, although around 70 of them received court stays. The department has excluded these individuals from the 2026-27 counselling process. However, some candidates who held fake PhD degrees last year have avoided claiming them this year to prevent further repercussions.

The Commissioner of the Department of Collegiate Education, Gopalakrishna H.N., emphasized the seriousness of the issue and stated that the government will take legal action against those found guilty of presenting false qualifications.