MUMBAI: Mumbai University, long known for misspelling students’ names on certificates, has now outdone itself—it misspelled its own name! The “University of Mumabai” blunder, printed on convocation certificates for the 2023-24 batch, has left students and colleges in disbelief.
Thousands of certificates bearing the typo were sent to affiliated colleges, leading many to return them for correction. While the university’s convocation ceremony was held on January 7, it’s still unclear how many students received these embarrassing documents.
A college principal called it a new low, while another pointed out that the typo makes the certificates look fake. The blunder has sparked widespread criticism, with former Maharashtra Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad slamming the university for its “irresponsible and unprofessional” behaviour.
Mumbai University had outsourced the certificate printing to a Hyderabad-based company, which it now blames for the mistake. A university spokesperson admitted to “printing issues” but refused to reveal the number of affected certificates. They assured students that corrected versions will be issued at no cost.
Height of "chalta hai" attitude of Mumbai University staff in misspelling it's own name in Convocation Certificates. Mumbai has been misspelt as Mumabai. The Chancellor must fix responsibility and take stern action.@maha_governor @ViceChancellorM @CMOMaharashtra @AndheriLOCA pic.twitter.com/k0AhgtBU23
— Narendra L. Soneji (@nlsoneji11) March 1, 2025
Established in 1857, Mumbai University is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Originally known as the University of Bombay, it has produced prominent alumni, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mukesh Ambani, and Sunil Gavaskar. With over 700 affiliated colleges, it remains a major centre for higher education despite its recurring administrative blunders.
Gaikwad took to X (formerly Twitter), demanding that Higher & Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil ensure students get their certificates by March. She also called for a public apology and penalties for responsible officials.
This isn’t Mumbai University’s first certificate mishap, but it’s certainly its most ironic one. With 1.64 lakh students graduating this year, many are now left waiting for their degrees—again.
(This article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Brew News and The Free Press Journal)
