Delhi University Implements Second Fee Hike in Six Months
Delhi University has announced another increase in its institution-level fees for the upcoming 2026–27 academic session. This marks the second such revision within a mere six-month period, continuing a clear multi-year trend of rising costs for students.
The latest adjustment raises the university's total share of the consolidated student fee to Rs 4,100. This figure represents a significant jump from the Rs 3,500 set just last July, reflecting a sharp increase of more than 17 percent in just half a year.
Breaking Down the Revised Fee Structure
According to an internal notification dated January 2, the revised fee structure for the 2026–27 session includes several key components. The University Development Fund has been fixed at Rs 1,750. Charges for university facilities and services have also been set at an identical Rs 1,750.
In addition to these amounts, students will now pay Rs 300 towards the Economically Weaker Section Support University Fund. Another Rs 300 will go towards the University Students' Welfare Fund.
College administrators have expressed growing concern about the frequency of these revisions. One official highlighted that the issue extends beyond the absolute figures. The steady rise every year, and now twice within six months, sends a worrying signal, the official stated. They emphasized that for a public university, predictability in fee structures remains crucial for students planning their education.
A Steady Climb Over Four Years
Over the past four academic sessions, Delhi University's share in the consolidated fee has more than doubled. A detailed look at the numbers reveals a consistent upward trajectory.
The University Development Fund has increased steadily from Rs 900 in 2022 to Rs 1,000 in 2023, Rs 1,200 in 2024, Rs 1,500 in 2025, and now Rs 1,750 for 2026–27.
Facilities and services charges have risen even more sharply. They moved from Rs 500 in 2022 to Rs 1,000 in 2023, then to Rs 1,250 in 2024, Rs 1,500 in 2025, and finally to Rs 1,750 in the current revision.
The EWS Welfare Fund, which stood at just Rs 100 in 2022, has climbed to Rs 300 over the same four-year period.
Here is a clear breakdown of Delhi University's institution-level fee components over time:
- Academic Year 2022: University Development Fund: Rs 900, Facilities and services charges: Rs 500, EWS Welfare Fund: Rs 100, Total: Rs 1,500
- Academic Year 2023: University Development Fund: Rs 1,000, Facilities and services charges: Rs 1,000, EWS Welfare Fund: Rs 150, Total: Rs 2,150
- Academic Year 2024: University Development Fund: Rs 1,200, Facilities and services charges: Rs 1,250, EWS Welfare Fund: Rs 200, Total: Rs 2,650
- Academic Year 2025: University Development Fund: Rs 1,500, Facilities and services charges: Rs 1,500, EWS Welfare Fund: Rs 250, Total: Rs 3,250
- Academic Year 2026–27: University Development Fund: Rs 1,750, Facilities and services charges: Rs 1,750, EWS Welfare Fund: Rs 300, Total: Rs 3,800
A principal from a leading college noted that the impact of such revisions becomes much more apparent when viewed cumulatively. Over time, these hikes add up and affect the overall cost of undergraduate programmes, the principal explained. The issue reportedly surfaces frequently in internal discussions among college administrators.
University's Position and Mounting Affordability Concerns
Delhi University has previously defended its fee revisions by citing rising operational costs and persistent inflation. The university maintains that annual increases of around 10 percent are necessary to sustain university-level services and maintain infrastructure. No immediate response was available from the university regarding this specific six-month hike.
However, college administrators have drawn attention to a noticeable gap between the stated inflation-linked policy and the actual scale of recent revisions. The over 17 percent increase within six months directly impacts what students ultimately pay, especially when combined with similar hikes over successive years.
One administrator pointed out that constant increases have pushed the accumulated fee for undergraduate programmes in top-tier colleges to a range of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per semester.
Another college head observed that while DU's fees might still appear modest compared to private or overseas universities, the consistent upward revisions are increasingly flagged as a serious affordability concern. This is particularly true for students coming from lower-income backgrounds. The principal reiterated that this topic is a regular point of discussion internally, highlighting the cumulative financial burden placed on students and their families.
