Why Some Colleges Increase Fees Post Admission: A Hidden Trap

yantrastudy
2 hours ago
3 min read

Getting into a postgraduate medical course is a dream come true for many aspirants. After months (or years) of hard preparation for NEET PG, securing a seat in MD/MS is a major achievement. However, for many students and parents, the journey doesn’t end with admission—it’s what happens after the admission that can become a financial nightmare. One such hidden pitfall is the sudden hike in fees by some private and deemed medical colleges after the admission process is complete.

This blog explores why some colleges engage in this practice, the legality of it, how it affects students, and how you can safeguard yourself during the process of MD MS admission in India.

The Fee Hike Trap – How It Works

Many private and deemed universities in India publish a “provisional fee structure” during the counselling rounds. At first glance, the numbers may appear within budget, making the college seem like a great option.

But here’s the twist: once the student is admitted and pays the initial instalment (or full fee for the first year), some colleges issue a revised fee notification, increasing the total course fee dramatically. In most cases, the updated fees must be paid immediately—or the student risks losing the seat.

This move traps students who now have no easy way out:

They’ve already paid a substantial amount.
The counselling rounds are over.
They can't get the same seat elsewhere.
Refund policies are vague or nonexistent.

Why Do Colleges Do This?

Lack of Regulation in Deemed Universities Deemed universities function under autonomous status, and their fee structures are not always strictly monitored by government authorities. This allows some institutions to manipulate fee disclosures.
Cash Flow Strategy Some colleges use this tactic as a cash flow tool. They attract students with a moderate fee and later boost income by increasing fees once the student is committed.
Capitalizing on Desperation Most PG medical aspirants are already under high pressure, and parents are willing to go the extra mile once a seat is confirmed. Colleges know this and exploit the situation.
Lack of Awareness Among Students Many students, especially those going through counselling for the first time, are unaware of their rights or legal options. This ignorance is used to the college’s advantage.

Is This Legal?

While many colleges include a clause in their brochure like “fees are subject to revision,” this doesn’t always make sudden hikes ethically or legally justifiable.

In recent years, courts and regulatory bodies like the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and National Medical Commission (NMC) have intervened in some cases. However, unless a formal complaint is filed, the college often gets away with it.

Some state authorities like the Fee Regulatory Committee or State Health Departments also monitor fee structures, but not all colleges fall under their purview—especially deemed universities.

Real Impact on Students

The financial burden caused by sudden fee hikes can be devastating:

Students have had to take additional loans at higher interest rates.
Some are forced to compromise on living standards, food, or books.
A few even drop out, losing their entire year and money invested.
Mental health issues and family stress escalate due to financial pressure.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are a few practical ways to avoid this trap during MD MS admission in India:

Ask for the Final Fee Letter in Writing Before confirming admission, request a written document that confirms the total course fee across all years. If the college hesitates, take it as a red flag.
Consult with Experts Like Collegestoria Collegestoria is a reputed consultancy service that helps medical aspirants with transparent, verified, and safe admission guidance. They ensure that you’re not falling into such traps and help negotiate directly with colleges.
Check College's Past Records Ask in student forums or alumni groups about the college’s track record. If fee hikes have happened before, it’s likely to happen again.
Read the Fine Print Look for phrases like “subject to change” in the admission documents. If such a clause exists, clarify what kind of changes are permissible.
Report Unfair Practices If you’ve already been affected, consider filing a complaint with the MCC, NMC, or even consumer forums. While time-consuming, this can bring justice and prevent further misuse.

Conclusion

As you move toward fulfilling your dream of becoming a specialist doctor, don’t let unethical practices derail your future. Fee hikes after admission are a hidden trap that can severely impact your finances and peace of mind. Always stay informed, verify all commitments in writing, and seek support from credible admission consultants like Collegestoria, who can guide you with transparency during your MD MS admission in India.

Remember, a smart admission is not just about getting the seat—but also securing it wisely.