Maharashtra Student Groups Oppose 3x Fee for Institutional Quota Admissions
Pune, 7th September 2026: Strong opposition is growing in Maharashtra over the decision to charge students admitted through the institutional quota in private professional colleges up to three times the regular tuition fee. Student organisations and parents have demanded that the decision be withdrawn, arguing that it undermines equal opportunity in higher education.
Yuva Sena state joint secretary Kalpesh Yadav has submitted a representation to the Chief Minister, the Minister for Higher and Technical Education and the Additional Chief Secretary, seeking a review of the decision.
Yadav questioned the rationale for charging substantially higher fees to students studying in the same classrooms solely because they secured admission through the institutional quota. He argued that the fee structure places an additional financial burden on families.
The issue is particularly significant for professional courses such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy and law, where education costs are already high. Yadav has also questioned whether provisions applicable to the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota under Supreme Court guidelines can be extended to students from within India admitted through the institutional quota.
The concerns have intensified after several reputed private colleges received approval from the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA) for increases in their regular fees. Students and parents could consequently face a higher financial burden, with regular tuition fees increasing while institutional quota fees may be charged at up to three times the approved amount.
There are also allegations that some institutions are demanding additional amounts from parents in cash donations under the institutional quota. If established, such practices could raise concerns over transparency in the admission process and further increase the cost of professional education.
The Yuva Sena has demanded that institutions be allowed to charge only the fees approved by the Fee Regulating Authority for institutional quota admissions. It has also sought a detailed inquiry into allegations of additional donations and strict action against institutions found violating the applicable rules.
The organisation has urged the state government to take a decision before the upcoming admission process to provide clarity to students and parents. It has warned that allowing institutions to impose arbitrary fees under the institutional quota could further commercialise professional education and make it increasingly inaccessible to middle-class families and meritorious students.
