IIT-Guwahati cites ‘student welfare’ in first fee hike in 7 years; protestors call it unjustified, sudden

Many allege that the hike includes new components like fest fees and welfare fund and an increased hostel fund, hostel rent and hostel maintenance fee, which they argue are unjustified. There are also increments in the student brotherhood fund, medical fees, an IIT Guwahati student said.

“Only one component of the fee structure has seen a marginal adjustment. All other increments remain well above 50 per cent, with some more than tripling,” another IIT-G student seeking anonymity claimed.

Another added, “The hostel fund has skyrocketed from Rs 600 to Rs 2,200. Are students really expected to bear the financial burden of events they neither requested nor uniformly benefit from?”

The administration maintains that the fee revision — the first in seven years — amounts to Rs 8,900 per semester for continuing students, stated a media statement issued by the institute on Wednesday evening.

“This has been made to support enhanced student welfare and activities, including increased allocations for hostel-level events, cultural and sports festivals, and Gymkhana-led initiatives beyond just Inter-IIT participation,” it added.

The IIT Guwahati statement added that an open-house meeting was held on July 17, lasting four hours, where detailed clarifications were shared. “The student body was asked to submit their representation if they had any further concerns. No submission has been received so far,” the institute noted.

However, students say that discussions so far have “yielded no concrete results.” One protestor alleged that although the administration initially assured students that non-payment of fees would not impact registration, “it later did not allow students with pending fees to register.”

Tensions reportedly escalated when the director declined to meet protesting students on July 23.

The protest has involved fee boycotts and the suspension of some teaching assistant duties. Students have also highlighted the weather conditions, saying many fell ill during the demonstrations in the humid Guwahati heat.

“The fact that no one is addressing this is making everyone angry, disappointed, agitated and upset,” one student remarked.

“There are also complaints that when some basic facilities in hostels are compromised, like hygiene in bathrooms, dilapidated condition of bathrooms, AC issues in departments, etc., how can the administration decide on increasing the fee for the amenities provided?”

The institute emphasised that the protest group is “small” and that “the majority of the 8,400-strong student body is not participating.” It also stated that the group has “bypassed the elected student body,” which is working on a formal proposal regarding the fee revision. “The elected student body is not part of this protest and is also working through the proper channel for an amicable solution to the increased components of the fee,” the IIT Guwahati statement read.

The administration concluded, “The Institute remains committed to student welfare and encourages engagement through constructive and formal channels.”