Students of Allied Health Science courses for the current academic year at Presidency University, Bengaluru, staged a protest on Friday, alleging that the university has cheated them by collaborating with ‘Emversity,’ which has been blacklisted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) recently.The protesting students alleged that the university authorities threatened to terminate them when they sought clarity on the public notice issued by UGC warning about ‘Emversity’ and offering degrees with its affiliated centres through collaboration with private universities, terming it as illegal.“When we went seeking clarity, the authorities snatched our phones and ID cards and threatened to terminate us,” a protesting student told The Hindu.“We are all worried about our degrees,” another student said.As per the provisions of the UGC Regulations, 2003, private universities are not permitted to establish off-campus centres, study centres, or extension centres even within the same state-without prior approval from the UGC. These universities are authorised to operate only from their main campus unless explicit permission is granted for additional centres.Furthermore, private universities and deemed-to-be universities are not allowed to affiliate with other colleges or institutions to offer courses leading to the award of degrees, diplomas, or other academic qualifications. Any degrees or qualifications awarded through unauthorised centres or affiliated institutions are considered invalid and are not recognized for purposes of higher education or employment.However, students have alleged that Presidential University is conducting Allied Health Science courses in collaboration with Emversity.In its public notice issued on October 8, 2025, the UGC stated that, it has come to the notice of the commission that an entity operating under the name Emversity, Indiranagar , along with its affiliated centres is offering degree programmes through franchising, collaboration or agreements with private universities and deemed-to-be universities. “Such practices are strictly against the provisions of the UGC Act, which prohibits universities from offering degree programmes through franchising arrangements,” it said.Meanwhile, the UGC has warned parents and students to verify the recognition and legal status of any institution before enrolling. “Obtaining degrees from unauthorised or unrecognised institutions may result in such qualifications being considered invalid,” reads the notice.When contacted, an authority of the university said, “Emversity has nothing to do with the allied health sciences degree offered by the university. We were collaborated with Emversity only to set up labs.”The university issued clarification in this regard and said, “This is to clarify that programmes on Allied Health Sciences and in Physiotherapy are recognised by the Karnataka state government and offered without any third-party collaboration. These programmes are recognised, and the final degree will be under the seal of Presidency University. Parents and students are advised not to be influenced by any misleading information to the contrary.”Published - October 10, 2025 07:32 pm IST