Mangalore University hikes fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students, sparking concerns

Team Udayavani, Nov 13, 2024, 11:08 AM IST

Mangalore University has significantly increased fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including exam and other associated fees, as part of its strategy to address financial challenges. The fee hike, which includes a 50% increase in examination fees, has raised concerns among students facing financial strain due to these new charges.

Previously, students were charged ₹670 as an examination fee; however, this year, the fee has been raised to ₹1,200. An additional ₹500 has been added as a ‘marks card fee,’ even though the university no longer issues physical marks cards, leaving students questioning the fairness of this charge. A student anonymously expressed frustration, stating that such fee hikes push students into further financial difficulty.

The university’s increase in various fees, including revaluation fees, has sparked agitation among students. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has already voiced opposition, submitting a formal complaint to the Vice-Chancellor.

In defense of the fee hike, Dr. Devendrappa, the Registrar of Exams, stated that a committee was formed to review and implement a reasonable increase, aligned with government guidelines allowing a 10% annual hike. According to him, the university’s financial requirements post-pandemic have made this adjustment unavoidable.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. P.L. Dharma highlighted that, in comparison to private institutions, Mangalore University’s fees remain relatively lower. He mentioned that the government will soon implement a uniform fee structure for admissions and tuition fees, effective from next year, which is expected to standardize costs across institutions.