“Zombie Universities”: The Reality Behind Fee-Dependent Private Institutions, Exposed by Rajya Sabha MP

Private universities in India often prioritize flashy infrastructure and branding over academics. Research and teaching frequently lag behind public institutions. Experts now stress that these universities must focus on quality faculty and robust administration rather than mere appearances.

Government Oversight Is Crucial

At the recent AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, controversies surrounding Galgotias University highlighted the structural gaps in India’s higher education system—gaps that are often hidden behind grand announcements and glamorous events. The response to the Galgotias incident showed that society still expects universities to maintain seriousness and credibility. Yet, one must ask: was this an isolated incident, or a symptom of a changing system where image gradually overtakes substance?

Trust Remains Elusive

The Galgotias episode cannot simply be blamed on one private institution. It reflects broader shifts in India’s higher education landscape. Over the past three decades, private universities have proliferated rapidly, with the promise of creating more opportunities for students. This is partially true, as public universities were limited in resources and could not meet all demands.

However, regulations and academic frameworks have not kept pace with this growth. Many institutions may hold formal recognition, but their educational quality often lacks credibility.

Paperwork Over Pedagogy

The problem extends beyond private institutions to government bodies and regulators. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and other agencies frequently emphasize paperwork compliance over actual academic quality. Some state governments have opened universities with minimal resources, counting quantity over quality. New campuses, grand buildings, and foreign collaborations project a veneer of progress, while research and academic rigor remain underdeveloped.

The Allure of Appearances

Politically, private universities gain attention by showcasing modernity and technological prowess. Programs in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) signal readiness for the future, yet genuine innovation develops slowly. For this, quality faculty, research investment, interdisciplinary dialogue, and academic freedom are essential. Without these, conferences and summits risk becoming mere public-relations exercises.

Branding Over Knowledge

Globally, the rise of market-driven universities has raised concerns. British author Peter Fleming, in his book Academia: How Universities Die, terms such institutions “zombie universities”—hollow internally but active externally. In India, the scenario is even more complex, with universities navigating market forces, government expectations, and societal aspirations. Today, universities are no longer just centers of knowledge—they are also platforms for branding and identity.

Media Amplifies the Illusion

The media often highlights large-scale inaugurations and technological achievements while giving little attention to research output. Fee-dependent private universities actively market themselves, blurring the line between education and promotion. Rankings, placements, and impressive buildings often become proxies for quality. Meanwhile, both private and public universities face challenges such as low budgets for research, faculty shortages, and administrative constraints. Private institutions may fill some gaps, but their academic quality often remains subpar.

Quality Must Come First

The current crisis is not the fault of any single institution—it is the outcome of collective policy failures. While the controversy might be dismissed as a minor incident, it also presents an opportunity for reform. A university’s reputation is built on good work: investing in quality faculty, research, transparent administration, and academic freedom. The focus must shift from quantity to quality. The real question is not why such incidents happen, but whether our universities are laying a strong foundation for society to think, learn, and grow. If appearance takes precedence over substance, the shine may remain, but the institutions will fail in their fundamental role of nurturing knowledge and democracy.