Fake PhD Certificate Scandal Rocks Karnataka's Higher Education System
The Karnataka higher education department has initiated a comprehensive verification drive across government colleges in Raichur and neighboring districts following shocking revelations that several guest lecturers secured their appointments using counterfeit PhD degree certificates.
Systematic Bypassing of UGC Norms Uncovered
Officials confirmed that the scrutiny was launched after multiple complaints emerged about fraudulent PhD certificates being submitted to circumvent the mandatory National Eligibility Test (NET) or Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) qualifications prescribed under University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations for guest lecturer appointments.
"According to UGC rules, candidates must either possess a legitimate PhD or clear NET or KSET examinations. Since clearing NET-KSET proves challenging for many, some individuals allegedly resorted to submitting fabricated PhD certificates to secure teaching positions," explained Dr. Yankanna, principal at Government Degree College in Raichur.
Online Registration Exposes Discrepancies
The fraudulent activities came to light during the online registration and verification process for guest lecturers for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. This discovery prompted immediate action from the collegiate education department, which issued formal notices to multiple institutions across the region.
Colleges in Sindhanur, Devdurg, and Jalahalli within Raichur district, along with Hunasagi in neighboring Yadgir district, are among the institutions that received these directives. The notices require both principals and the concerned guest lecturers to appear personally with their original academic documents for thorough verification.
Statewide Implications and Stricter Scrutiny
Education aspirants and officials have raised concerns that similar fraudulent cases might surface in other parts of Karnataka if a thorough, statewide investigation is conducted. This scandal has exposed potential vulnerabilities in the appointment system for temporary teaching positions across the state's higher education institutions.
Guest lecturers have reported that the document verification process has become significantly more rigorous over the past year. Previously, teaching experience and seniority carried substantial weight in reappointment decisions, with marks awarded for each year of service. However, these norms underwent revision last year, diminishing the priority given to seniority.
Expanded Documentation Requirements Implemented
The documentation process for guest lecturer appointments has expanded dramatically in response to these fraudulent activities. Previously, candidates needed to submit only a PhD completion certificate. Now, applicants must provide more than a dozen documents covering every phase of their doctoral program.
The comprehensive documentation now required includes:
- PhD registration details and official records
- Guide allotment orders and supervisor confirmation
- Coursework completion certificates and academic transcripts
- Regular progress reports and evaluation documents
- Viva voce notifications and examination records
- Complete thesis copies and research documentation
- Provisional degree certificates and final award documents
This enhanced verification process aims to prevent future fraudulent appointments and ensure that only genuinely qualified individuals secure guest lecturer positions in Karnataka's government colleges.
