U’ khand private universities hike MBBS fee arbitrarily in violation of norms 

GAJENDRA SINGH NEGI/ Dehradun 

The private universities of Uttarakhand offering MBBS course to the students have affected a steep hike in their fees for the academic session 2026-27. The Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jolly Grant (under Swami Rama Himalayan University) and Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences (Shri Guru Ram Rai University) have increased their tuition fee for this year’s session by Rs three lakh.

This increase is in complete violation of the Uttarakhand Private Universities Act- 2023 which clearly states that “the fees determined by the board of management shall be valid for three consecutive academic years. There shall be no increase in the tuition fees to be charged from an enrolled student during the period of completion of any course”. 

However, in violation of this regulation, the private universities of Uttarakhand are consistently increasing their fees from the past three years. The colleges under these universities have some seats reserved for the domicile candidates of Uttarakhand (State quota) and give them a rebate of 25 per cent on the tuition fees. The admission on remaining seats are done under the management quota. These colleges had charged a tuition fee of Rs 14. 8 lakh (State quota) and Rs 20 lakh (management quota) in the year 2024- 25 and Rs 15.75 lakh (State quota) and Rs 21 lakh (management quota) for the year 2025-26. These colleges have again increased their fees for the year 2026-27. They will now charge a fee of Rs 18 lakh (State quota) and Rs 24 lakh (management quota). 

“This fee hike has made things very difficult for me and has put into jeopardy my plan to get my daughter admitted to an MBBS course. The State government should take cognisance of the issue,” said Prabhat Aswal of Kotdwar.

When contacted, the chief public relations officer of Shri Guru Ram Rai University Bhupendra Raturi said that the university adheres to all the rules and the regulations. The director, Medical Education, Dr Ashutosh Sayana told The Pioneer that the issue of fee hike has come to his notice. He said that direction from the State administration is being sought on the subject.