UGC Announces New Fee Refund Policy for 2025-26 Academic Year

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a new fee refund policy for the 2025-26 academic year, offering students more flexibility to cancel admissions and receive refunds on time. The Commission has also made it mandatory for institutions to process refunds within 15 days of receiving a student’s withdrawal request.

UGC Fee Refund Policy 2025-26: Key Deadlines and Rules

According to the official notice, the refund amount will depend on when the student cancels or withdraws their admission.

• Students who cancel admission by September 30, 2025, will receive a full refund of fees.
• Students who withdraw their admission by October 31, 2025, will receive a refund after a deduction of INR 1,000 as processing charges.
• For cancellations after October 31, 2025, the refund will be calculated based on the proximity to the last date of admission, following earlier UGC norms.

The colleges and universities must return the refund within 15 days of receiving the student’s written request.

UGC’s Instructions for Colleges and Universities

The UGC notice clearly states that no college or university is allowed to retain original certificates of students during admission. Only self-attested copies can be kept for institutional records.

The Commission observed that several students had complained about delayed refunds and withholding of certificates, prompting the need for stricter enforcement. The new rules are designed to make the process transparent, student-friendly, and accountable.

Action Against Non-Compliance

The UGC has warned that any institution found violating these refund guidelines will face strict action under its regulatory framework. All universities, colleges, and deemed-to-be universities have been instructed to comply with the updated policy for the 2025-26 academic year.

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