In New Delhi, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled an all-encompassing fee reimbursement directive for the academic term of 2024-25. According to a missive issued by the UGC, adherence to this policy is obligatory for all tertiary education institutions across India.

Prof. Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the UGC, articulated in the letter that a plethora of grievances and representations were received from students and guardians regarding the non-reimbursement of fees by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) following the annulment or withdrawal of admissions.

The communication emphasized that students should be entitled to a complete fee reimbursement within a delineated timeframe, thereby facilitating their ability to enroll in a program of their preference.

“The Commission deliberated upon this issue during its 580th congregation on May 15, 2024, and after meticulous consideration of pertinent factors, the fee reimbursement policy for the academic session of 2024-25 was formulated.”

“Irrespective of any stipulations in existing guidelines, prospectuses, notifications, or schedules, HEIs are mandated to provide a full fee reimbursement for all admission cancellations or student migrations up until September 30, 2024, with a permissible deduction not exceeding Rs 1,000 as a processing fee until October 31, 2024,” the letter stated.

This policy is applicable to all higher education institutions established or incorporated under either Central or State Acts, as well as all institutions recognized by the UGC under clause (f) of Section 2 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. It also extends to all institutions designated as universities under Section 3 of the same Act and to all higher education institutions affiliated with a university.

The guidelines further extend to entities such as organizations, consortiums, committees, and associations formed for the purpose of conducting counseling, processing admissions, and collecting fees on behalf of participating HEIs, making them accountable for fee reimbursements.

“For any admission timelines extending beyond or commencing after October 31, 2024, the provisions outlined in the UGC Notification issued in October 2018 regarding Fee Reimbursement and Non-Retention of Original Certificates shall be applicable,” the letter concluded.