The University Grants Commission (UGC) has raised concerns over higher educational institutions failing to follow its fee refund guidelines, leaving students struggling to recover their fees after cancelling admissions despite repeated directives.
In a letter to the Principal Secretaries to Governors of states and Union Territories, UGC Secretary Shyama Rath sought intervention to ensure strict implementation of the refund policy and action against institutions allegedly violating the rules.
The Commission said repeated circulars, written communications, telephone follow-ups and consultative meetings had failed to resolve several complaints. Although student grievances were forwarded to the institutions concerned, many cases remain unresolved.
The letter refers to UGC communications issued between December 2020 and June 2024, which reiterated that universities and colleges must comply with the applicable fee refund guidelines. Details of individual student complaints and a list of institutions allegedly failing to follow the rules were also enclosed.
UGC Warns of Action Against Violations
The UGC said failure to refund fees in accordance with its guidelines infringes on students’ rights, causes financial hardship and undermines public confidence in the higher education system.
It urged the Governors’ offices to caution institutions against further violations and ensure compliance with the Commission’s directives.
In a communication dated December 17, 2020, the UGC had clarified that its fee refund guidelines were mandatory. It also warned that institutions refusing refunds in violation of the rules could face punitive action under its regulations governing fee refunds and the non-retention of original certificates.
The latest communication has also been sent to the Secretaries of Higher Education in states and Union Territories.