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Private universities in Madhya Pradesh are facing growing criticism due to steep and irregular fee hikes. According to the guidelines of the Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee (AFRC), private universities were only allowed to increase their fees by 15% over a span of three years. However, recent reports and official records have revealed that several institutions have gone far beyond this limit, raising fees by almost 250% within a period of just four years. This has created a storm of protest among students, parents, and even policymakers, as the soaring cost of education threatens to put quality higher education out of reach for many families.
The state of Madhya Pradesh is home to 53 private universities and more than 2,385 private colleges. While these institutions were originally established to increase access to higher education and reduce the load on government colleges and universities, the pattern of fee hikes shows that affordability is no longer the priority. Instead, higher education has increasingly been viewed as a profit-driven sector. Families across the state have complained that the sudden rise in tuition fees for courses like engineering, management, law, nursing, and medical programs has imposed unbearable financial pressure on them. In some cases, the cost of a degree has doubled or even tripled within a short span, leaving students disillusioned and desperate.
Fee Hike Trends (2021–2025)
| Course/Program | 2021–22 (₹) | 2022–23 (₹) | 2023–24 (₹) | 2024–25 (₹) | % Increase in 4 Years |
| B.Tech / MBA | 8.33 – 13.89 L | 10 – 15.14 L | 13.50 – 19.82 L | 16.08 – 21.36 L | ~200–250% |
| Law (LLB/Integrated) | 10.19 – 15.41 L | 13.50 – 19.82 L | 13.50 – 21.36 L | 15.00 – 17.57 L | ~180% |
| Nursing Courses | 19,500 – 68,100 | 19,500 – 75,600 | 19,500 – 97,500 | 19,500 – 2,49,000 | ~260% |
| B.Ed / M.Ed | 15,000 – 42,000 | 15,000 – 45,000 | 20,000 – 55,000 | 25,000 – 80,000 | ~190% |
| Other Professional UG/PG | 22,800 – 30,300 | 22,800 – 36,000 | 24,000 – 38,000 | 32,800 – 40,000 | ~160% |
The above table highlights the alarming increase in tuition fees across several programs offered by private universities in Madhya Pradesh. For example, the cost of nursing courses has risen from a modest ₹19,500–68,100 in 2021–22 to nearly ₹2.5 lakh in 2024–25. Similarly, fees for B.Tech and MBA programs have seen a massive surge, with costs now ranging between ₹16 lakh and ₹21 lakh. Such increases make it evident that education is no longer within the financial reach of middle-class families.
Key Issues
- Excessive Fee Growth: Despite regulatory limits, universities have pushed fees upward by 200–250% within four years.
- Burden on Students: The steep hike is forcing students from lower- and middle-income families to either drop out or take on heavy loans.
- Transparency Concerns: The appointment of a new CEO for the regulatory body without consultation has sparked concerns over governance.
- Penalty Clause: Universities that fail to submit fee hike proposals on time will face fines of up to ₹1 lakh, though enforcement remains weak.
- Inequality in Education: Such unchecked increases risk creating a divide where only wealthy students can afford quality professional courses.
These issues underscore the growing gap between the intent of establishing private universities and the ground realities. While these institutions were meant to increase access and opportunities, they are increasingly seen as commercial enterprises prioritizing profits.
Voices from the System
Commission Chairman: “I only need two more months to stabilize the system. The fee issue will be brought under control.”
Principal Secretary: “The Commission has been directed to strictly monitor proposals and ensure transparency in decisions.”
Students & Parents: “Private universities were meant to provide access, not exploit us. Education has become a business.”
The voices reflect frustration from both the regulators and the public. While the Commission admits the shortcomings in enforcement, students and parents express anguish over the commercialization of education. The Principal Secretary’s remarks highlight the government’s concern, but concrete steps are still awaited.
Bigger Picture
The fee hike controversy brings attention to a larger issue: the lack of accountability and transparency in private higher education. Supporters of the universities argue that operational costs, faculty salaries, and infrastructure development justify the rising fees. However, critics believe that unchecked hikes defeat the very purpose of private institutions, which were introduced to ease the burden on public education while providing affordable opportunities to aspiring students.
If immediate action is not taken, thousands of students will be priced out of professional education, deepening the gap between the rich and the poor. Policymakers must therefore strike a balance between allowing universities to function sustainably and protecting the interests of students who dream of a better future through education.
The current scenario calls for stronger regulatory frameworks, transparent fee-setting mechanisms, and active participation of stakeholders. Only then can the goal of inclusive and equitable higher education be truly achieved.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.