Colleges, both private and government, are insisting that students pay full tuition fees upfront before granting admission — even though the fee reimbursement amount is credited to the student’s bank account later.
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Real-Life Struggles of SC Students
Take the case of K. Naveen Kumar, an SC category student who secured a seat in a reputed engineering college in Ghatkesar, Medchal district through TGEAPCET-2025. Confident of receiving 100% fee reimbursement, he went to report at the college. To his shock, the management demanded ₹1.25 lakh (including tuition and other fees) to be paid immediately. Even after explaining about fee reimbursement eligibility, the college refused to wait, stating the money would be credited to his personal account later. Forced to retain his seat, Naveen had to borrow money to pay the fees.
Similarly, a B.Sc. final-year student at University College of Science – Saifabad was instructed to pay ₹75,000 (₹25,000 per year for three years) despite being eligible for reimbursement. The college even warned that without fee payment, she would be barred from attending classes and from receiving her semester exam hall ticket.
Impact of Policy Changes in Fee Reimbursement Scheme
Previously, the Central Government used to release its share of fee reimbursement funds to the State Government, which then combined it with the state’s share and directly paid colleges. But under the new system, the Central Government now directly transfers its share to the student’s bank account via the ePass portal. The state’s share is also credited directly to the student in some cases.
While this Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system is intended to ensure transparency and direct delivery to beneficiaries, it has created a cash flow gap for students. Since reimbursement takes time to be credited, colleges are collecting the entire annual or multi-year fee at the start of the academic year, pushing students into loans and financial stress.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
- Every year, around 12.5 lakh students apply for Post-Matric Fee Reimbursement in Telangana.
- Of these, approximately 2 lakh are SC students.
- For the 2024–25 academic year, SC student applications include:
- 1,22,205 Renewals
- 77,722 Fresh Admissions
- About 45,000 students are enrolled in engineering and professional courses where annual fees can reach ₹1 lakh or more.
- General degree course fees are in the thousands, but professional course fees are significantly higher, creating bigger challenges.
Student and Parent Concerns
Students argue that colleges should allow them to pay fees in installments until reimbursement is credited, but most institutions refuse. As a result, families are forced to borrow large sums, adding to financial burdens. Parents are criticizing the rigid stance of colleges, claiming it undermines the purpose of government welfare schemes.
Key Issues Raised
Upfront Fee Collection: Both private and government colleges are demanding full tuition fees in advance.
Loan Dependency: Students are taking loans to meet payment deadlines.
Policy Change Effect: Direct transfers to student accounts delay fee payment to colleges.
Lack of Flexibility: Colleges not accepting installment-based payments.
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