UGC announces new fee refund policy for Higher Education Institutions

Amid ongoing grievances from students and parents over Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) failing to refund fees upon admission cancellations or withdrawals, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a robust fee refund policy for the academic session 2024-25.

During its 580th meeting on May 15, the UGC decided that HEIs must provide a full refund of fees for all cancellations or migrations of students up to September 30. A nominal processing fee of no more than Rs 1,000 will be deducted for refunds processed up to October 31,



2024.

This policy applies to all HEIs established or incorporated under Central or State Acts, as well as those recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

It also includes institutions deemed to be universities under Section 3 of the same Act, and all HEIs affiliated with a university.

Moreover, the guidelines extend to organisations conducting admissions and fee collection on behalf of HEIs. Each institution is responsible for ensuring timely fee refunds as per the new regulations.