Don't Get Scammed: Learn To Spott Fake Agricultural Colleges In Maharashtra

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

For many students across Maharashtra, getting into a good agricultural college is more than just academics—it’s about chasing a dream. A dream of working with the land, securing a stable career, and making their families proud. But recently, that dream has come under threat.

MCAER (Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research) has issued a very important warning: some so-called “colleges” claiming to offer agriculture degrees are actually bogus. Yes, fake colleges are running and tricking students into spending lakhs for degrees that are worth absolutely nothing.

As someone who understands the anxiety of college admissions and the pressure families feel during this time, I wanted to break this down in simple words. This isn’t just news—it’s a wake-up call. Here’s everything you need to know to protect yourself or someone you care about.

How These Fake Colleges Trick You

Let’s be honest—these scammers are smart. They know what words to use and what dreams to sell. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. “100% Job Guarantee”: Sounds amazing, right? But no real college can guarantee a job. Good colleges will support you, but if anyone promises a job as part of admission, that’s a huge red flag.

2. Fancy Names That Sound Real: They use official-sounding names like “National Institute of Agriculture Technology” to confuse you. Always double-check the exact name on the official list.

3. Pressure Tactics: “Only 2 seats left!” or “Book today to get 30% off!” If you’re feeling rushed or pushed to pay immediately, that’s not how real institutions work.

4. Weak or Suspicious Websites: No proper faculty list, missing address, no landline numbers—all these are signs of a shady setup.

5. Cash Demands: Real colleges will offer transparent payment options like bank transfers or demand drafts. If they’re forcing cash payments, be very careful.

Here’s How You Can Verify a College

This is your ultimate checklist. Don’t trust consultants or ads. Trust only this 3-step process:

Step 1: Visit mcaer.org
This is the official website of MCAER. Bookmark it.

Step 2: Look for the list of approved colleges
Find the list of affiliated colleges for the current year. It’s updated and accurate.

Step 3: Cross-verify details

Is the exact college name listed?
Is your course listed (like B.Sc. Agriculture)?
How many seats are approved for that college?

If even one of these things doesn’t match, walk away.

What Happens If You Join a Fake College?

I hate to say this, but it’s serious:

Your degree will be invalid. No government job, no post-grad admissions.
You’ll lose your money and possibly take on debt.
You’ll waste years of your life studying something that leads nowhere.

If you already paid or know someone who did:

File a complaint at your nearest police station.
It’s fraud. Don’t stay silent. You’re not alone, and you can get justice.

Final Thoughts (From Me to You)

I know how confusing and stressful college admissions can be. Everyone wants the best for their future. But in that rush, please don’t skip the basics. Take 10 minutes to double-check. Talk to someone you trust. And always go by what the official sources say.

Don’t let your dream be stolen by someone else’s scam.

Stay smart. Stay alert. And please share this with anyone who needs to see it.

Written with care for every student dreaming of a better tomorrow.

— Team @PuneRiPages.in