UGC announces revised fee refund policy for Higher Education Institutions

In response to persistent complaints from parents and students over Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) not paying back fees for withdrawals or cancellations of admission, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a comprehensive fee refund policy for the 2024–2025 academic year.

The UGC resolved on May 15 at its 580th meeting that HEIs have to give full refunds of fees for any student migrations or cancellations made up until September 30. For reimbursements received through October 31, 2024, a small processing fee of no more than Rs 1,000 will be subtracted.

All Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, as well as those incorporated or founded under Central or State Acts, are covered by this policy.

It also covers all HEIs associated with a university as well as establishments recognised as universities under Section 3 of the same Act.

Furthermore, organisations handling admissions and fee collecting on behalf of HEIs are covered by the standards. In accordance with the new rules, it is the responsibility of each institution to guarantee prompt fee reimbursements.

HEIs must follow the UGC's October 2018 notification on tuition refunds for admissions schedules starting after October 31. This notification details percentages of reimbursements based on the timing of withdrawal in relation to the formally stated last date of admission.

The UGC emphasised that unless it is changed, this policy will be in force for the upcoming academic year. Additionally, they emphasised that they will use the Redressal of issues of Students Regulations, 2023, to handle issues from students.

If the fee reimbursements are not received within the designated timeframes, it will be deemed a severe violation and the HEI will be held accountable according to the UGC's 2018 announcement.

For the academic year 2024–2025, HEIs are recommended to carefully apply the new fee refund policy and to swiftly handle any relevant concerns in compliance with UGC regulations.