Maharashtra Fee Regulatory Authority Intensifies Probe into Excessive Fee Collection by State Colleges
The Maharashtra Fee Regulatory Authority (FRA) has intensified its investigation into state colleges following allegations of excessive fee collection. According to media reports, nearly 50 institutions offering medical, dental, pharmacy, and Ayurvedic courses are under scrutiny for charging fees beyond the approved limits. These charges reportedly include additional costs for uniforms, practical books, gymkhana, internal exams, hostels, and fines for low attendance.
Students Raise Concerns
Students from Nashik, Parli, and Mumbai have reported coercive fee collection practices, such as withholding original documents until extra fees are paid, according to a Mid Day report. Several colleges are accused of misleading students about scholarship opportunities, especially for girls. Disturbingly, one Ayurvedic college allegedly demanded over ₹1 lakh from Scheduled Caste students.
In addition to student complaints, teachers have voiced grievances regarding delayed retirement dues and gratuities.
Virtual Inspections Underway
Due to limited staff, FRA has commenced virtual inspections of colleges. On September 23, six institutions across Pune, Mumbai, Amravati, and Parli were reviewed remotely. Dharam Mishra, FRA committee member, stated, “All colleges will submit bank statements soon, and stricter random inspections are planned. Virtual tours via video calls are currently being conducted to assess facilities,” as reported by Mid Day.
Maharashtra Private Colleges: Fee Proposal Submission Window Open for 2026-27
All unaided private professional colleges and institutions in Maharashtra offering graduate and/or postgraduate courses affiliated with state universities are notified that the online portal for submitting fee approval proposals for the academic year 2026-2027 will be active from September 19, 2025.
Institutions can also indicate their option to opt for ‘No Upward Revision’ of fees through the portal. The submission window will remain open until midnight, October 31, 2025.
Fee Proposal Submission Notification & Transparency Measures
To ensure accountability, the FRA plans to introduce a watermark on college websites displaying verified fee structures. Students are advised to pay only the sanctioned fees and report any excess charges. The authority has warned that any extra fees will be treated as illegal capitation and penalised accordingly.
Surprise Inspections from October
Starting this October, FRA will conduct unannounced inspections across Maharashtra’s professional colleges. The authority regulates over 4,000 institutions offering courses in medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and management.
These inspections aim to verify that colleges’ claimed facilities, faculty, and infrastructure align with their fee proposals. The goal is to curb financial exploitation and safeguard students’ interests.
