Delhi University fee hike continues as student costs rise. DU plans to collect over Rs 246 crore in 2025-26. Students and faculty demand affordable education.
Delhi University has increased student fees consistently over the past five years. Another hike is expected next year. This has raised concerns among students and faculty about education affordability.
Delhi University Fee Hike: Rising Fees at Delhi University
The university’s revenue from student fees has more than doubled since 2019. In the 2019-20 academic year, DU collected about Rs 100 crore. By 2023-24, this amount exceeded Rs 200 crore. For 2025-26, DU plans to collect over Rs 246 crore.
Meanwhile, grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC) have increased in absolute numbers but decreased in proportion. In 2019-20, DU received around Rs 600 crore from UGC, covering 83% of its funding. By 2023-24, this rose to just under Rs 800 crore but made up only 77% of the budget.
Delhi University Fee Hike: Recent Fee Hikes
- December 2023: Annual charges increased by 46%.
- July 2024: PhD course fees increased by 60%.
These consecutive increases have made education costlier for students.
Delhi University Fee Hike: Why is DU Increasing Fees?
Some faculty members believe DU is increasing fees to repay loans. The university has borrowed money from the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA). HEFA is a joint venture between Canara Bank and the Ministry of Education. It funds infrastructure and research facilities at universities. However, the financial burden is being passed on to students.
Delhi University Fee Hike: Criticism from Students and Faculty
Students and teachers strongly oppose the fee hikes. Many believe that a public university should not become expensive. Some professors say the government is pushing universities to generate their own funds. This makes education inaccessible for students from low-income backgrounds.
Abha Dev, Secretary of the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), has warned that higher fees will prevent many students from continuing their studies. Many share this concern, arguing that DU should remain affordable.
Delhi University Fee Hike: Alternative Revenue Sources for DU
To reduce dependence on student fees, DU has proposed other ways to generate income:
- Renting out auditoriums, classrooms, labs, and guest houses.
- Setting up souvenir shops in different departments.
- Creating endowment funds through donations from alumni, industries, and philanthropists.
Despite these efforts, fees continue to rise, leading to student protests and demands for rollbacks.
Impact of Fee Hikes on Students
Many students struggle to afford their education as costs keep increasing. Higher fees may discourage students from applying to DU. Public universities should focus on affordability, but the growing costs are making education difficult for many.
What’s Next for DU Fees?
With DU aiming to collect over Rs 246 crore in fees in 2025-26, students and faculty fear further hikes. If this trend continues, studying at DU will become even more expensive. Many believe that education should not be treated as a business.
Protests continue as students and faculty demand fairer policies. They urge the university to find alternative funding sources instead of raising fees every year.
The Delhi University fee hike remains a major concern. Without intervention, the cost of studying at DU may continue to rise, affecting thousands of students who rely on affordable education.