TAFRC warns engineering colleges against illegal fee collection

The Telangana Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee has warned private engineering colleges against collecting unauthorised fees, saying violators could face a fine of Rs 2 lakh per student. Students and parents have been urged to submit documentary proof to help initiate action.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee (TAFRC) has warned private engineering colleges of penal action, including a fine of Rs 2 lakh per student, if they charge unauthorised and illegal fees under different heads. The Committee asked students and parents to lodge complaints, along with valid documentary proof, for action against the erring institutions.

This warning follows a news story titled ‘Engg colleges fleece students’ published in these columns on July 26. The story highlighted how private engineering colleges are charging hefty amounts from parents and students who secured admissions under the convener quota through the TG EAPCET 2026 counselling.

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A large number of students reporting to private colleges to confirm their seats are being forced to pay between Rs 15,000 and Rs 45,000 under various heads such as career development, uniform charges, book lending scheme, campus recruitment training and other allied charges.

For instance, a college in Ghatkesar asked a student to shell out a staggering Rs 49,900, including Rs 13,400 towards admission, NBA and special fees, Rs 18,000 towards career development charges, Rs 14,000 towards uniform fee and Rs 4,500 for the book lending scheme (optional).

As per the rules, except for the university fee of Rs 2,500 and NBA fee of Rs 3,000 per annum, institutions are not allowed to charge students any fee under other heads during the admission process.

In a notice to colleges, the TAFRC said the collection of any fee over and above the prescribed fee is “unauthorised, illegal and impermissible”. The institutions have been directed not to collect any amount other than that prescribed by the competent authority.

“All private engineering colleges are directed to strictly adhere to the fee structure fixed by the government and refrain from collecting any additional amount from students under any head whatsoever. Non-compliance will invite penal action, including a fine of Rs 2 lakh per student, apart from such other action as may be deemed fit under the relevant rules and regulations,” the TAFRC said.