Delhi University Implements Second Fee Hike Over 17% in Six Months, Sparking Student Concerns
Delhi University has announced a steep rise in student fees for the 2026–27 academic session, marking the second increase of over 17% in just six months. The revised fee structure has raised the university’s share from Rs 3,500 in July 2025 to Rs 4,100 now, exceeding the institution’s stated policy of keeping annual hikes around 10% to maintain services and infrastructure.
According to the updated fee breakdown circulated on January 2, 2026:
Students will contribute Rs 1,750 each to theUniversity Development Fund (UDF).
Rs 1,750 will be allocated for university facilities and services.
Rs 300 is earmarked for theEconomically Weaker Sections (EWS) Assistance Fund.
Another Rs 300 will go to theUniversity Student Welfare Fund.
This follows the earlier fee hike in July 2025, when the UDF rose from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 and the facilities and services fee increased from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500. The EWS Welfare Fund also saw a rise from Rs 200 to Rs 250.
Looking at trends over the past four academic years, the increases have been consistent:
University Development Fund:Rs 900 (2022) → Rs 1,750 (2026)
Facilities and Services Fee:Rs 500 (2022) → Rs 1,750 (2026)
EWS Welfare Fund:Rs 100 (2022) → Rs 300 (2026)
Students have voiced concerns over affordability and transparency, noting that the fee hikes have outpaced DU’s own limits and may put additional financial pressure on families.
