UGC Mandates Strict Adherence to New Fee Refund Policy for Academic Session 2024-25

Students will be entitled to a full refund of fees upon cancellation or withdrawal of admissions until September 30, 2024.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a comprehensive fee refund policy for the academic session 2024-25, making it mandatory for all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across India to comply. This move aims to address numerous complaints from students and parents regarding the non-refund of fees upon cancellation or withdrawal of admissions.

Key Highlights of the New Policy:

Full Refund Within Specified Period

Students will be entitled to a full refund of fees upon cancellation or withdrawal of admissions until September 30, 2024. Beyond this date, and until October 31, 2024, institutions may deduct a maximum of Rs. 1,000 as a processing fee.

Universality of Application

The policy applies to all HEIs established or incorporated under Central or State Acts, those recognized by the UGC, and institutions deemed to be universities. Additionally, any organizations involved in counseling, processing admissions, or collecting fees on behalf of HEIs are also required to comply.

Refund Guidelines Post-October 2024

For admission schedules extending beyond October 31, 2024, the refund provisions of the UGC Notification from October 2018 will apply. This includes a graded refund policy based on the timing of the withdrawal notice relative to the formally notified last date of admission.

Grievance Redressal

The policy aligns with the UGC’s Redressal of Grievances of Students Regulations, 2023, which categorizes delays or denials of fee refunds as grievances that require redressal. UGC Chairman, Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, emphasized the importance of this policy, stating, “All Higher Education Institutions in India must follow this fee refund policy without exception.”

Compliance and Consequences

HEIs are urged to ensure strict compliance with the fee refund policy for the academic session 2024-25. Any institution found violating these provisions will face punitive action as outlined in Clause 5 of the UGC’s 2018 Notification on Refund of Fees and Non-Retention of Original Certificates.