The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a new fee refund policy for the academic session 2024-25 to address the numerous complaints and representations from students and parents regarding the non-refund of fees by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) upon cancellation or withdrawal of admissions.
Full Refund of Fees
The UGC has mandated that HEIs must provide a full refund of fees for all cancellations of admissions or migrations of students up to 30 September 2024. For cancellations occurring up to 31 October 2024, institutions are allowed to deduct a maximum of Rs. 1,000 as a processing fee.
Scope of the Policy
This policy is applicable to all HEIs established or incorporated by or under a Central Act or a State Act, recognized by the UGC under clause (f) of Section 2 of the UGC Act, 1956. It also includes institutions deemed to be universities as declared under Section 3, and all higher education institutions affiliated with a university. Additionally, the policy covers organizations, consortiums, committees, and associations involved in conducting counseling or processing admissions and collecting fees on behalf of HEIs.
Admission Schedule Provisions
For admission schedules extending beyond 31 October 2024, the provisions from the UGC Notification issued in October 2018 on Refund of Fees and Non-Retention of Original Certificates will apply. These provisions outline the percentage of fee refunds based on the timing of the withdrawal notice:
- 100% refund if the withdrawal notice is received 15 days or more before the formally notified last date of admission.
- 90% refund if received less than 15 days before the formally notified last date of admission.
- 80% refund if received 15 days or less after the formally notified last date of admission.
- 50% refund if received 30 days or less, but more than 15 days after the formally notified last date of admission.
- No refund if received more than 30 days after the formally notified last date of admission.
Grievance Redressal
In line with the UGC’s Redressal of Grievances of Students Regulations, 2023, delays in or denial of fee refunds to students who withdraw their admission within the stipulated time mentioned in the prospectus will be considered grievances. HEIs are required to address these grievances promptly.
Compliance and Punitive Action
HEIs must comply with the fee refund policy for the academic session 2024-25 and ensure that any grievances are redressed as per the UGC’s regulations. Any HEI found violating the UGC Fee Refund Policy 2024-25 will face punitive action as detailed in Clause 5 of the UGC Notification on Refund of Fees and Non-Retention of Original Certificates issued in October 2018.
Future Applicability
This policy will remain in force for subsequent academic sessions until the UGC issues a revised policy.
The UGC urges all HEIs to adhere strictly to this policy to ensure fair treatment of students and maintain transparency in the admission process.
For further details, contact:
University Grants Commission
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002
Phone: 011-23236288/23239337
Email: [email@ugc.ac.in]