4,200 cases & Rs 25 crore refunds: Fee complaints increase at private universities

Private universities have become the primary focus of complaints concerning fee-related practices, highlighting the need for a thorough review of their fee structures.

Data from the University Grants Commission's (UGC's) Fee Nivaran Cell shows showed that 4,257 complaints were resolved in the past five academic years, resulting in refunds totalling over Rs 25.5 crore. This trend highlights an increase in fee-related irregularities across higher educational institutions (HEIs), with more than 50% of complaints filed in the academic year 2023-24 alone.

Among states, Uttar Pradesh registered the highest number of complaints, followed by Delhi and Rajasthan.


The Fee Nivaran Cell functions through the UGC's e-Samadhaan platform, allowing students to register grievances and seek resolution. According to senior UGC officials, the increasing number of complaints indicates the system's enhanced effectiveness and its contribution to promoting transparency in the practices of higher education institutions.

UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar emphasised the cell's success, noting a refund rate of around 97%. He said: "It has processed complaints from 32 states and Union Territories, with over 1,386 female students benefiting from refunds amounting to Rs 8.71 crore. Our efforts have extended to all types of HEIs - central, state, private, deemed universities, and even institutes of national importance. Private universities accounted for highest number of complaints, reflecting the need for continued vigilance in this sector."

UGC started the Fee Nivaran Cell in 2020 during the Covid as an initiative to promote trust in the higher education system while alleviating undue financial burdens on students.

Private universities accounted for the largest share of complaints, with 1,475 cases resolved and refunds totaling over Rs 10.12 crore. State universities followed with 1,211 resolved cases and refunds of Rs 4.32 crore, while deemed to be universities addressed 770 complaints with refunds exceeding Rs 9.68 crore. Central universities resolved 799 complaints, issuing refunds of Rs 1.34 crore, and institutes of national importance resolved two complaints, refunding Rs 4.41 lakh.

Geographically, Uttar Pradesh led in complaints, with 827 cases resolved and refunds totaling nearly Rs 4.96 crore. Delhi followed with 591 complaints and refunds of over Rs 2.21 crore, while Rajasthan resolved 418 cases with refunds amounting to Rs 1.65 crore. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal also featured prominently, with 381 and 377 complaints resolved, resulting in refunds of Rs 1.99 crore and Rs 0.92 crore, respectively.

The academic year 2023-24 witnessed a record 2,251 complaints, a sharp rise compared to 927 complaints in 2022-23 and 915 in 2024-25.

(With TOI inputs)