Maharashtra’s Directorate of AYUSH has approved a standardized fee structure for AYUSH colleges across the state. This new fee system will apply for the 2025-26 academic year. Simultaneously, the Directorate has formed three teams to investigate six private colleges for allegedly charging excessive fees. These allegations specifically concern female, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and Economically Backward Class (EBC) students.
Probe into Scholarship Violations
Students from six colleges reported significant financial and academic difficulties. The colleges under investigation are: New Life Ayurved College, AMS Ayurvedic Medical College, Anjuman-I-Islams Dr MIJ Tibbia Unani Medical College, KG Mittal Ayurvedic College, ZVM Unani Medical College and Hospital, and Mohammadia Tibbia College (Unani medical).
Students alleged that these colleges did not implement government fee reimbursement schemes. They also reported opaque and discriminatory fee structures, alongside unjustifiable hostel and mess fees. The Directorate received numerous grievances outlining these issues.
The inquiry committees formed to investigate these complaints. These committees will examine violations of the Maharashtra Unaided Private Professional Educational Institutions Act, 2015 . They will also look into irregularities in the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj fee reimbursement scheme . Officials have previously issued warnings regarding these practices, particularly concerning female and EBC students.
The Directorate has directed colleges to provide government scholarships to eligible students. Colleges must also refund any additional fees collected. This action aims to rectify past non-compliance and prevent future violations.
Standardized Fee Structure
The Directorate of AYUSH has approved a uniform fee structure for government and government-aided AYUSH colleges. This applies to courses in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Naturopathy, and Yogic Sciences, effective for the 2025-26 academic year.
The standardized fees aim to bring transparency and equity across the state’s AYUSH institutions. Different student categories will follow specific payment guidelines:
- Open Category Students: Those with an annual family income above Rs 8 lakh will pay a total of Rs 65,400 . This includes Rs 57,400 for tuition, Rs 3,000 for development fees, and Rs 1,000 for library fees.
- SC, ST, VJ, NT, and MAHADBT Scholarship Recipients: These students will pay Rs 8,000 annually. They receive a complete exemption from tuition fees.
- OBC, SEBC, and SBC Students (Non-Creamy Layer): Female students in these categories are exempt from tuition fees. Male students will pay Rs 36,700 per year.
- BNYS Course Candidates: Open category students will pay Rs 24,500 annually. Scholarship-eligible students will pay Rs 8,000 .
Hostel rent is now standardized at Rs 4,000 per year for all student categories. Colleges cannot charge any fee beyond these prescribed limits.
Student Advocacy and Future Action
The Mission Awareness Foundation welcomed the state government’s decision to standardize fees. The foundation emphasized that this move brings clarity, transparency, and equity to the admission process. It directly benefits thousands of students who rely on state scholarship schemes, such as the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj fee reimbursement .
The foundation stated the action affirms the Directorate’s commitment to social justice and accessible education. They urged the Directorate to expedite the inquiry committee’s work. They also called for strict and immediate action against any private colleges found violating scholarship schemes.