Degrees of deceit

India has long been under the global spotlight for reasons that are far from flattering. Once branded as the “rape capital of the world” due to its alarming record of sexual violence, the country now finds itself earning another dubious distinction—that of the “fakery capital of the world.” The recent exposure of a massive fake degree racket in Kerala has once again reminded the international community of the rot that continues to emanate from India, spreading its tentacles far beyond its borders.

The racket, reportedly involving over 100,000 forged certificates from 22 universities, is believed to have facilitated the use of more than one million fake degrees abroad. This revelation is not just a domestic scandal; it is a global concern. The forged documents were allegedly used by Indians seeking employment opportunities overseas, particularly in countries where academic qualifications are a prerequisite for professional advancement. The scale of this fraud is staggering, and its implications are profound. It raises serious questions about the credibility of Indian educational institutions and the integrity of the Indian workforce abroad.

No wonder, then, that the United States government has been tightening its grip on H-1B visas for Indian applicants. For years, the H-1B program has been a gateway for Indian professionals to secure lucrative jobs in the American tech and service sectors. However, the proliferation of fake degrees has cast a long shadow over the legitimacy of these applicants. Employers in the U.S. and elsewhere are increasingly wary of hiring individuals whose qualifications may not withstand scrutiny. The clampdown is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a direct response to the erosion of trust caused by such fraudulent practices.

The Indian diaspora, one of the largest in the world, is now under suspicion. While many Indians abroad are hardworking and genuinely qualified, the exposure of widespread fakery taints the entire community. Employers, governments, and international organizations are likely to adopt stricter verification mechanisms, which could disproportionately affect even those with authentic credentials. The reputational damage is immense, and it will take years—if not decades—for India to rebuild credibility in the eyes of the world.

This scandal also underscores a deeper malaise within India’s governance and institutional framework. The fact that such a racket could thrive across multiple universities suggests systemic corruption and complicity. It is not merely the work of a few unscrupulous individuals; it reflects a culture where deceit and shortcuts are tolerated, if not encouraged. The consequences, however, are borne not just by India but by the global community that interacts with its workforce.

In stark contrast, Pakistan has managed to establish a far more credible system for academic verification. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has instituted a well-organized mechanism for the award and authentication of degrees. This system ensures that Pakistani graduates enjoy respect and recognition across the world. Employers and institutions abroad can rely on the authenticity of Pakistani qualifications, which enhances the country’s reputation and provides its citizens with genuine opportunities for advancement. The difference between the two systems is not just administrative; it is moral. Pakistan’s commitment to integrity in education stands out against India’s culture of fakery.

The international community must now grapple with the fallout of India’s degree scandal. Employers who have unknowingly hired individuals with fake qualifications will face difficult decisions. Governments may impose stricter immigration and employment checks, particularly targeting Indian applicants. Professional bodies may introduce new layers of verification, adding costs and

delays to recruitment processes. The ripple effects will be felt across industries and continents, as trust once broken is not easily restored. For India, the challenge is existential. A nation that aspires to be a global leader cannot afford to be known for deceit and corruption. Yet, the repeated exposure of scams—whether in education, business, or politics—suggests that the rot runs deep. Unless India undertakes radical reforms to cleanse its institutions, it risks being permanently branded as a producer of fraud and fakery. The world is watching, and patience is wearing thin.

Pakistan, meanwhile, must continue to strengthen its systems and uphold its reputation. In a globalized world where credibility is currency, Pakistan’s emphasis on integrity in education provides its citizens with a competitive edge. It is a reminder that respect is earned not through numbers or noise but through trust and authenticity.

The contrast between the two nations could not be sharper. India, with its sprawling diaspora, now faces suspicion.