Mumbai: Students enrolled in BSc/BVov (Interior Design) at Dr. Baliram Hiray College of Architecture in Bandra have leveled serious allegations against the college. Complaints include academic fraud, financial irregularities, misleading institutional promotion, and mental harassment. The complaints span five batches of students from 2021-22 to 2025.
Students claim that they were initially told their course was affiliated with Sangai University, Manipur. However, the university’s recognition was revoked in 2024. Students state they were not informed of this change and successfully completed their final year in 2025. Despite this, the college delayed issuing their marksheets and degrees.
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Disputed Affiliations and Delayed Degrees
Last month, students were informed that their degrees would now be provided through Sikkim International University. Students said this university is also listed on the UGC defaulter list. Despite repeated requests, the college has not provided any proof of this affiliation.
On March 14, the first batch of students finally received their marksheets. However, they claim that several details and grades were altered, and some key subjects like dissertation were removed. According to students, the university does not authorize teaching these subjects. They warn this could have a serious impact on their careers.
Concerns Over Marksheets and Curriculum
The students filed complaints with the police, highlighting the college administration’s financial and academic irregularities. They claim the administration demonstrated a lack of transparency, causing them mental distress. TOI reached out to the college for a statement, but no official response was provided.
The key points of the complaints include:
- Providing false or misleading information about the course.
- Enrolling students even after the university’s recognition was revoked.
- Manipulating details and grades on marksheets and degrees.
- Denying students access to essential subjects.
- Failure of administration to provide transparent documentation and certificates.
- Exposing students to mental harassment and stress.
Students have demanded strict action against the college. Education experts and academicians stress that in such cases, it is crucial to protect students’ rights and hold colleges accountable.
Pressure on Authorities and Broader Implications
Experts also point out that verifying valid university affiliation and the legitimacy of degrees is extremely important for higher education students. Any irregularity can have long-term consequences on students’ careers.
In Mumbai’s education sector, this case is seen as a warning signal, as similar complaints about misleading information and lack of degree affiliation have emerged in other institutions as well.
Students say they want to publicize this issue to help future students avoid such irregularities. The incident has created a trust deficit among students, parents, and education authorities. It now remains to be seen what steps the police and relevant education department take and how they ensure students receive their rights and legitimate degrees.
