Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Self-Financing Arts, Science and Management Colleges Association has urged the Higher Education Department to take action against educational institutions allegedly operating without proper recognition and against misleading advertisements targeting students.

In a statement, association president Ajit Kumar Lalmohan and secretary Sethupathi said social media had become a major source of information for students and the public, but advertisements making unrealistic claims about higher education were increasingly appearing on such platforms.

The association alleged that some advertisements promise degrees without regular study or examinations, degrees within a short period, or the award of academic credit for studies undertaken in previous years.

Such claims could mislead economically weaker students and parents who may not be fully aware of the rules governing higher education, it said.

The association questioned how institutions without recognition from the Tamil Nadu government could admit students or advertise courses that were not recognised.

It also raised concerns over institutions that obtain "Deemed University" status allegedly using NAAC and NBA accreditations awarded to their predecessor colleges in advertisements, creating an impression that the accreditations apply to the deemed university.

"Using accreditations obtained by a previous institution as though they belong to the deemed university is incorrect and misleading," the association said.

It said government, government-aided and self-financing higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu operate within a statutory framework, and alleged that admissions to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes without proper authorisation could affect the quality and credibility of higher education.

The association urged the Higher Education Department and universities to curb misleading advertisements on social media and public platforms and take action against institutions operating without due recognition.

"Safeguarding the education and future of students is a collective responsibility," it said.