Overview of the Fee Hike and Student Protest
IIT Guwahati has introduced its first fee revision in seven years, hiking semester fees for PhD and PG students by ₹8,900–₹10,900. This move has triggered widespread protests, with hundreds of research scholars and MTech students staging sit-ins, boycotts, and marches across campus. 0
Timeline of Events
The administration held a four-hour open house on July 17 to explain the fee revision and offered loan support via the Student Welfare Fund. However, on July 22, when semester registration began, many students refused to pay the hike and were denied registration. By July 23–24, protests escalated with slogans like “Kam karo, fee kam karo” and academic boycotts. 1
Student Grievances: Financial Burden and Lack of Dialogue
PhD students allege the fee has jumped from around ₹34,800 to ₹45,700 per semester—exceeding their stipends by ₹20,000. Concerns include unpaid HRA, inflated hostel charges, and doubling of miscellaneous fees. Students criticize the administration for sidelining their grievances and bypassing elected student representatives. 2
Administration’s Position
The institute defends the increase as essential to support student welfare programs — including cultural, sports, and hostel-level events under Gymkhana. Officials noted that only a small group of roughly 300 of 8,400 students are protesting, and that the elected student body is working through formal channels. 3
Academic Boycott and Campus Unrest
On July 24, protesting students—primarily PhD scholars—refused to perform research-related academic duties, including TA work and lab activities, except for critical responsibilities. They also organized a campus march demanding written assurances from the administration. 4
Key Facts Summary
- Fee hike effective July–November 2025 semester
- PhD fee increased by ₹10,900 per semester
- BTech and MTech programs also affected
- Over 300 students actively protesting; participation claimed by 870+
- Administration held open house on July 17 and supports hike for student welfare funding
Trivia & Quiz Insight
Trivia: IIT Guwahati’s fee hike marks the first revision in seven years—reflecting how institutional fee structures can remain unchanged for long durations before triggering widespread dissent.
Source: Moneycontrol