UGC Fee Refund Policy Academic Session 2025-26
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued the following fee refund policy after considering representations/complaints regarding non-refund of fees by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Policy decided in the 580th meeting held on 15 May 2024.
Context
1. The University Grants Commission receives many representations/complaints from students/parents on the non-refund of fees by the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on cancellation/withdrawal of admissions.
2. Students should be allowed a full refund of fees within a specified period to enable them to opt for a course of their choice.
3. The Commission has considered the matter in its 580th meeting held on 15 May 2024 and decided the fee refund policy for the academic session 2024-25 (details below).
Fee Refund Summary
- Notwithstanding anything contained in any guidelines/prospectus/notification/schedule, a full refund of fees shall be made by the HEIs on account of all cancellations of admissions/migrations of students up to 30 September 2024, and with a deduction of not more than Rs. 1,000 (as a processing fee) up to 31 October 2024.
- It applies to all higher education institutions — Central/State/UGC-recognized institutions, deemed universities, and affiliated institutions.
- Guidelines are also applicable to organizations/consortiums/committees/associations constituted for conducting counselling or processing admissions and collecting fees on behalf of participating HEIs; the HEI concerned will be responsible for refund of fees.
- For any admission schedule extending/commencing beyond/after 31 October 2024, the provisions contained in the UGC Notification issued in October 2018 on Refund of Fees and Non-Retention of Original Certificates shall apply (reproduced below for ready reference).
Refund Schedule (UGC Notification — October 2018)
| Point of time when notice of withdrawal of admission is received in the HEI | Category | Percentage of Refund of fees* |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days or more before the formally notified last date of admission | 1 | 100% |
| Less than 15 days before the formally notified last date of admission | 2 | 90% |
| 15 days or less after the formally notified last date of admission | 3 | 80% |
| 30 days or less, but more than 15 days after formally notified last date of admission | 4 | 50% |
| More than 30 days after formally notified last date of admission | 5 | 0% |
* Percentages reproduced from UGC Notification (October 2018). HEIs should also refer to the full text of the notification and any subsequent circulars for procedural details.
Notes for HEIs
- HEIs must ensure prompt processing of refunds and provide transparent timelines to applicants.
- HEIs should not retain original certificates against fee refund demands unless permitted by law; follow the UGC guidelines on non-retention of original certificates.
- All counseling agencies/third-party processors must transfer refunded amounts to students through the concerned HEI; the HEI remains accountable.
Contact / Reference
For the complete official notification and any clarifications please refer to the University Grants Commission (UGC) website or contact the UGC Helpdesk of your region.